“Eating fresh, home-grown produce ensures better health and a cleaner lifestyle,” say experts at FTCCI’s ‘Grow Your Own Food’ session 1vgo
With this session, “Grow Your Own Food”—FTCCI sparked a healthy living movement in Urban Telangana
The session aimed to educate and inspire urban citizens to embrace kitchen gardening as a sustainable and health-forward lifestyle choice.
Key speakers included Smt. B. Manga, Horticulture Officer, Urban Farming, Govt. of Telangana and Ms. Jayalakshmi Kompella, Garden Consultant, Onemaali Garden Solutions
Together, they presented on “Fresh from Home – Your Kitchen Garden”, sharing insights on how even limited urban spaces can become vibrant, productive, and health-enriching gardens.
“Kitchen gardens are not just about food—they’re about health, environment, and empowerment,” said Smt. Manga, emphasising the nutritional value of fresh, chemical-free home-grown produce.
“Gardening can be therapeutic. It connects us to the soil and ourselves,” added Ms. Kompella, highlighting how kitchen gardening is a fulfilling activity that promotes mental wellness alongside physical health.
Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI, in his welcome note, said, “Many food items today are produced using harmful chemicals and pesticides, leading to long-term health issues. As per ICMR, 38% of Indians regularly consume unhealthy food, and over half of all diseases are linked to poor diet. Kitchen gardening is a simple but powerful solution.”
He encouraged participants to explore gardening—even in small urban spaces like balconies or windowsills—stating that knowing what you eat and how it’s grown can be deeply satisfying and health-affirming.
Dr. Singhal also lauded the Horticulture Department of Telangana for promoting kitchen gardening across the state in accessible and practical ways.
K.K. Maheshwari, Vice President of FTCCI, stated: “Our goal today is not merely to discuss home-grown food but to ignite a lifestyle transformation. Every home, no matter how small, has the potential to become a food producer.”
S. Chandra Mohan, Chairman of the Agro & Food Processing Committee, in his opening remarks added: ‘growing food in urban spaces promotes food security, reduces carbon footprint, and improves health consciousness. Kitchen gardens not only lower our dependence on commercially grown produce but also reconnect us with nature and self-care. —our food is our medicine.”
Kitchen Gardens are new weapons against disease and Inflation, said many who spoke on the occasion.
The event offered hands-on knowledge and tips on: Best plants for kitchen and balcony gardening, Soil management and composting techniques, Organic pest control methods and Sustainable and eco-friendly gardening practices
Participants were encouraged to reimagine their balconies, terraces, and even windowsills as productive green spaces, contributing to better health, reduced stress, and environmental sustainability.