Date:27/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/27/stories/2006062700331900.htm

Back Schools to have veg gardens in Kerala

Our Bureau

Kochi , June 26

Aimed at cultivating interest in agriculture among school children, Vegetable and Fruits Promotion Council of Kerala (VFPCK) has proposed to develop vegetable gardens in 1,000 schools as part of its `agri@school' programme.

The concept `A vegetable garden in my school' is aimed at children and the programme will be implemented in three months. The area covered by the gardens will depend on availability of land.

Around two to 15 cents of land will be used for the garden in each school. It is expected that 600 tonnes of vegetables can be produced through 1,000 gardens in various schools.

The Council will provide the seeds, fertilisers and pesticides free of cost to the schools for the purpose. Experts from the VFPCK will train students at the garden.