Jhabua: There are several billboards persuading people to plant trees and herbs. Everyone cherishes the fragrance and beauty of flowers. People relish under the shade of a tree. When it comes to getting out on the ground, planting and nurturing, ironically, few turn up.
A youngster from Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh has set a model to behold. Mukesh Bamnia, of Meghnagar, has turned his roof into a garden. Inspired by Mukesh, nearby people are also coming out to the fields with their sprouts and buds. Utilising the minimum space, Mukesh has planted small plants of different species on his roof, stairs, elevation wall and other places.
Not just flowering plants but many varieties
Mukesh has not only planted beautiful flowering plants that adorn his roof including red, white, pink, black roses, marigold, mogra, sevanti, kaner but has also planted medicinal plants like giloy, ginger, basil along with aloe vera, neem.
Self-sufficiency is the way to go
Apart from plants, Mukesh is also growing vegetables like fenugreek, spinach, green onion, chilli, balor, gilki terai, cucumber on the roof of his house. The yield is sufficient for his family's needs. His family consumes sumptuous meals with homegrown vegetables, born out of his labour.
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Rs 40,000 spent on the garden
Mukesh has built a shed with an iron angle on the roof of his house, where he has planted plants in three layers. This allows maximum utilization of space. Green mats have been installed on the shed to protect the plants from excessive sunlight so that the direct sun rays do not harm the plants directly. So far, more than 40,000 has been spent on this garden developed by Mukesh, a large portion of the amount has been spent on pots and good quality plants.
Nothing is waste in his place
Reduce, reuse, recycle: a motto every student byhearts in school days, seldom followed by, has served as fuel for Mukesh. Filling soil in the empty bottles in the house and utilizing it for gardening turns it into a valuable thing to hold on. Empty oil cans, spice boxes, colour boxes, tires, electronic gadget thermocols, spoiled RO water bottles, broken pottery, old cans, plastic tubs, plastic pipes, buckets, as well as small cans have been used here.
Summons plants wherever he goes
Mukesh says that wherever he goes, he will bring two plants. The variety of plants in his garden evidently shows his persistent efforts. His family members are quite happy with the adoration Mukesh has given to their adobe. They also take due care of the garden. Flowers bloom and wither away, adding fragrance and freshness in Mukesh's haven.
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