The steady growth of urbanization has led to the growing demand for healthy herbs and vegetables, which has become mandatory for survival. We must not put our health at risk by consuming the crops treated with pesticides. Upaj, situated at Sama Savli road, Vadodara, is a new age nursery that has been developed with a motto of organic farming in order to ‘help the urban dwellers grow their own food and herbs.’
The NISV boarding batch of 2014-15 got the opportunity to visit the foundation of Upaj with an aim of learning the skills and gaining knowledge about organic farming. All of us were filled with enthusiasm to acquire maximum knowledge. The session started with the division of the entire boarding into two teams. Then both the teams were taken on a round of the campus, identifying and classifying different species of plants. We were also introduced to farming techniques and tips for cultivating various herbs like Italian basil, lemon basil, brahmi, green tea etc., along with their uses in the medical field. On one hand there were small herbs and on the other hand there were huge trees of amla, mango, neem and jamun.
Furthermore, the learning sessions were followed by a session of reflection where the children asked questions, which was later complimented by a quiz competition held between the two teams made. The most amusing moment was when there was a draw in the contest. The marvelous trip ended with the serving of hot samosa and biscuits in the form of snacks.
Not to forget, to mention that this trip enhanced our team work and skills of sharing knowledge. It gave us an opportunity to look beyond the human world, into the world of botany.
Bansree Patel
IBDP Year 1 student
NISV Boarding Blog 2014 