BHUBANESWAR: A three-day hands-on training workshop on ‘Gardening Techniques’ organised at Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Aiginia concluded here Thursday.
Over the time due to an increase in the interest in Urban Horticulture, there is a demand for skilled manpower for establishment and maintenance of the gardens in Bhubaneswar. The programme was designed for skill development of prospective gardeners.
The training programme jointly organised by Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-Indian Institute Horticultural Research) and Plant Lovers’ Association. Officials addressed various aspects like rooftop & backyard gardening and residential, corporate & theme gardens.
Classes on various flowering and ornamental plants suitable for different gardens; orchid management; management aspects like irrigation, nutritional aspects of urban gardening; scope of miniature & indoor garden plants and disease/pest management in successful gardening were conducted by learned personnel.
Apart from theory classes, hands-on training on soil media preparation; grafting/budding/cutting/layering techniques; grass bed preparation; exposure to different tools and implements required for gardening; preparation insecticidal/pesticide solutions; general care etc were demonstrated by experienced technical and scientific staff.
Officials highlighted the various activities of Plant Lovers’ Association and efforts being undertaken to strengthen the urban gardening. Dr G C Acharya, Head, Central Horticultural Experiment Station, briefed the activities and salient achievements of CHES and importance of the training programme in the current context.
V P Upadhaya provided a brief account of the importance of different forms of gardening in human life and also highlighted his views in context of climate change. About 25 participants attended the training programme. A feedback session was also organised where the participants shared their experiences and benefit of such type of training programme.