Ludhiana: Punjab Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (PAMETI), PAU campus, organized a training programme on ‘Smart Home Gardening’ for nature lovers from all walks of life on Saturday. A total of 26 trainees participated in the programme.
Explaining the objective of training, Bharti Madan, deputy director (IT), PAMETI, said in today’s modern world, everyone is under pressure due to competition, high expectations and effect of modern technology. This makes life complex and affects productivity at work as well as our physical and emotional health. Gardening is not only fun, but it also helps in connecting with nature, Madan said.
“It is good for own health as well as for environment. One can enjoy the process of regularly tending of plants, flowers, vegetables and fruits and at the same time it helps in saving money and improving health by gardening and growing fruits at home,” Madan added.
H S Dhaliwal, director, PAMETI, who inaugurated the training programme, said, “There is a need to spare time from busy life schedules to connect with nature, grow and popularize native plants so that we can ensure a healthier environment for the coming generations.”
Balwinder Singh Lakhewali, an environmentalist and working as Deputy Director at PAMETI, was the trainer for the programme. He interacted with participants and imparted knowledge on developing and managing smart home garden.
Topics including selection of garden site, designing its layout, deciding about garden elements, selecting plants and maintenance of garden were covered. Appropriate selection of indoor plants, containers and their care were also covered during the programme.
He advised participants to avoid use of chemicals and grow pesticide free seasonal fruits at home. Different native fruits suitable for Punjab climate with their respective medicinal properties were also explained to the participants by Dr Balwinder Singh. Various activities and practical sessions were part of the training.
He said, “Such programmes would help in keeping our micro ecosystem green and improve our health.”
Plants were distributed among participants for promotion and popularization of gardening.