Horticulture Society Introduces 100 Exotic Plant Species in Telangana, Promoting Urban Terrace Farming

In an effort to expand terrace gardens in urban areas and encourage city-dwellers to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and ornamental and medicinal plants, the Agri-Horticultural Society located in the Public Gardens has been diligently nurturing, sourcing, and selling approximately 100 plant varieties since last year.

The Society aims to make even more plant varieties available this year, with sales expected to commence in just twenty days.

Dr. AV Rao, Secretary of the Society, revealed that the collection includes a diverse range of exotic species, some of which have been procured from abroad. The Society has primarily been focused on maintaining and supplying plants to farmers in rural areas, including the Rangareddy district. As part of their "Inti Panta" initiative, they have also developed a downloadable app, and soon, they plan to offer home deliveries with a nominal delivery charge.

Among the remarkable plant varieties offered by the Society is the Punasa mango, which yields fruits four times a year. They have also managed to sell the highly sought-after exotic Miyazaki mango variety, known for its astonishingly high price tag.

The Society's plant collection includes an array of rare species such as Turkey Anjeer, seedless lemon, apple varieties suitable for local weather conditions, miracle fruit, cat fruit, Barbados cherry, Dragon fruit (red and yellow), blueberry, raspberry, peach, lychee, golden berry, rose apple, white Neredu, and gooseberry, among others.

Also Read: Indian Farmer Cultivates Rare Mango Variety Worth Rs 2 Lakh per kg

Dr. Rao emphasizes the importance of cultivating oxygen-producing creepers and highlights the value of certain plants, like what he refers to as the "Insulin plant" (Bryophyllum/Ranapala). This plant possesses properties that aid in kidney stone removal, along with various other benefits.

The Society also promotes bonsai cultivation of Ficus (Banyan), known for its ability to absorb toxins released by air conditioners while providing abundant oxygen. Bonsai ficus plants are available for purchase at the Society's office-cum-nursery, with prices ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 per plant.

With the Agri-Horticultural Society's concerted efforts to bring a diverse range of plant species to urban dwellers, residents now have the opportunity to create flourishing terrace gardens and enjoy the benefits of growing their own plants and crops.

source-The Indian Express

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