Portable garden a hit with farming enthusiasts

State Horticulture Mission’s ‘Arka Vertical Gardens’ project was launched in 2022

‘Arka Vertical Gardens’, a project of the State Horticulture Mission (SHM), under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, is proven a hit among farming enthusiasts. Launched in 2022, the project provides takers with a gardening structure on wheels. The three-tier structure with 16 pots and an overhead tank for irrigation found users across the State, with more interest coming from the capital. Though the cost of a single unit is ₹24,000, a 75% subsidy is available.

Among 320 units sold last year, 57 were sold in Thiruvananthapuram. This year, among 80 pieces booked, 28 are in the capital.

Binu and Nisha from Kazhakuttam, both IT professionals, bought the model last year and are now cultivating the second batch of crops in it. “We got to know about the Arka gardens online,” they say. “The application process was simple. The structure was installed by the horticulture officials. We were given seeds, liquid fertilizers, and instruction manuals. Altogether it was a very smooth process,” says Mr. Binu. Though their first batch was not successful, they are hoping for a better outcome the second time. “We have planted spinach, tomato, mint, etc.,” says Ms. Nisha.

While the couple is satisfied with the structure, they did point out a few aspects that could be modified. “We found its height challenging and have removed the top pots as it was not visible,” they say.

Sreekumary P.P. from Kudappanakunnu, a retired SHM employee, bought the model last year. “I have already completed three harvests in it and have cultivated shallots, spinach, chilli, and so on,” she says. The structure came with 16 pots in different sizes along with fertilizers and seeds. A facility to attach a hosepipe to the tank on top helps in easy irrigation, she says. “The subsidy was an attractive incentive. I have recommended it to my friends and family as well,” Ms. Sreekumary says.

“As of now, the plastic used for the pots is low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It would be more sustainable if high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were used instead,” she suggests.

According to an SHM official, “Continuation of the initiative is under consideration. No decision has been made yet.”