Shared kitchen garden launched for Nilgiris tribal communities

The Horticulture Department has created a shared kitchen garden for tribal communities in Anaipallam, near Coonoor. This initiative aims to improve nutrition for local residents. The garden covers about 650 square meters and involves over 25 women from the community. Joint Director of Horticulture, Shibila Mary, explained that the department provided resources like shade net houses, seeds, and fertilizers to help the community. The project started in 2024 after officials recognized that many villagers were under-nourished. To prepare the community, members received training on how to grow crops in Udhagamandalam. The kitchen garden focuses on organic farming methods, producing green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and radish. The harvest from the garden is consumed by the villagers, with hopes that it will enhance their health. Officials also mentioned future plans. If the community is interested, they could expand the garden to grow more vegetables. They could potentially sell organic produce in local markets to help boost their income.