Workshop organised on nutrition gardens

Karnal, August 18

The Centre of Excellence for Horticulture Skills in India (CEHSI) conducted an intensive two-day training programme on the development and management of nutrition gardens at the training-cum-demonstration centre developed by it, which provided an ideal setting for participants to gain hands-on experience in horticultural practices. CEHSI works under the Centre of Excellence for Agriculture Skills in India (CEASI), an autonomous body of Agriculture Skills Council of India (ASCI).

A number of representatives from various NGOs and entrepreneurs participated in this programme. The purpose was to share scientific knowledge with practical application, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of nutrition gardens among participants.

Nutrition gardens, also known as kitchen gardens, are small-scale cultivation systems that integrate a variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs, aimed at providing households with a diverse range of essential nutrients.

Dr Ritu Sharma, the head of operations at CEHSI, highlighted evidence-based research showing that these gardens can significantly improve dietary diversity, offering a year-round supply of micronutrient-rich foods crucial for addressing deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.

Dr Sharma also discussed the integration of nutrition gardens into school curricula, aligning with government initiatives that promote agricultural education and environmental sustainability. She emphasised that such initiatives are crucial for fostering practical agricultural skills among students while also contributing to broader public health goals.

Dr Jage Singh provided an expert analysis on nursery production techniques and best agricultural practices for cultivating fruits and vegetables in nutrition gardens. Dr Maha Singh led a session on integrated pest management using organic methods, emphasising the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services in pest control. — TNS