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The event offered hands-on knowledge and tips on best plants for kitchen and balcony gardening, soil management and composting techniques
The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), through its Agro & Food Processing Committee, hosted a session titled Grow Your Own Food: A Step Towards Better Living at its Red Hills premises. Experts agree that eating fresh, home-grown produce ensures better health and a cleaner lifestyle.
The session aimed to educate and inspire urban citizens to embrace kitchen gardening as a sustainable and health-forward lifestyle choice.
Key speakers included B Manga, Horticulture Officer, Urban Farming, Govt. of Telangana and Jayalakshmi Kompella, Garden Consultant, Onemaali Garden Solutions.
Together, they presented “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 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 Kompella, highlighting how kitchen gardening is a fulfilling activity that promotes mental wellness alongside physical health.
Dr Suresh Kumar Singhal, President, 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 per cent 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.
KK Maheshwari, Vice President, 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, Agro & Food Processing Committee, in his opening remark, 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. Remember—our food is our medicine.”
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.