The Punjab Agriculture Department (PAD) has initiated supply of packets of different vegetables seeds to the masses under the programme of promotion of ‘kitchen gardening’ in the province. Per capita daily use of 280 grams of vegetables help maintaining the health of human being but unfortunately in Pakistan usage of vegetable is at half of the required standard.
This was disclosed by the Fruit and Vegetable Development Project Director, Muhammad Asif Khan while inaugurating a one-day workshop on training being imparted to master trainers under the kitchen gardening programme on Saturday. He said promotion of kitchen gardening is essential to resolve the issues of public health and improving the lives of the masses. He threw light on importance of sowing vegetable at domestic level and its economic and health benefits. He said vegetables grown at home are free of any sort of poison of fertiliser while it also helps cutting the domestic budget.
Head of Institute of Vegetable Research Faisalabad, Dr Shahid Niaz Nazim claimed that his institute was working hard to create awareness amongst the masses about kitchen gardening and its production technology. He said both print and electronic media is being used for this purpose.
He said that empty vessels, cartons, plastic bags and pots could be used for growing vegetables at home. He said vegetables can be sown on roofs of the house too. Other experts expressed views on preparation of land, irrigation, use of nutrients and steps to tackle pests.
