Pandemics have been a part of human journey on the planet. What is new about the COVID-19 is the rapid speed at which it has affected people across the globe. How quick we are informed of the intensity, spread and global reach of the virus, how researchers and medical professionals collaborated to find answers. We have also seen people around the world find new and inspiring ways to help each other to survive in the face of adversity.
Necessity is the mother of invention. Covid 19 has forced our society to reshape our interaction with nature. As Covid 19 is going to change the world order drastically, our priorities are also going to be reshaped towards a holistic wellbeing. Healthy food and hygienic culture is going to be a high priority in the coming days. Lot of families have started kitchen garden as part of engaging themselves. As a blessing in disgrace this momentum has to be maintained and retained even after the lockdown period.
Haritham 2020 is a project initiated by Marian International Institute of Management, Kuttikanam to encourage organic farming at homes for enabling our state’s food self-sufficiency as well as to keep our students engaged positively during the lock down period. All MBA students of MIIM were asked to start a small vegetable garden at their home and were asked to capture a short video of their garden. The project was well received by the students and they actively participated in the project.
HARITHAM PHASE 2-CHANGE LEADERS –Interventions through Social Media
People are in uncertain and difficult times due to Covid-19 pandemic. If many people have to self-isolate at homes, they need to keep their bodies and minds active and engaged. In such a challenging situation, a vegetable garden in home spaces can bring recreational, health, economic and environmental impacts.
Our students are asked to take initiative to create clusters near to their home through social media. Social media, especially Facebook and whatsapp groups, play significant roles in propagating the idea of safe vegetable cultivation in Kerala. These groups will motivate people to start backyard farming, and to share their knowledge on how to grow food in small spaces to a wider audience.
EMERGING PATHWAYS
Despite pressure on land to build homes and roads, there is more than enough urban land available within Kerala cities to meet the fruit, spices and vegetable requirements of its population. It’s only through a paradigm shift in the education process this cultural change can be accomplished.
Educational institutions have to act as the change leaders in this regard. They should design projects to promote the effort with vegetable gardens in backyards and schoolyards, or unused land, and even the front lawn of the institutions.
Regardless of Covid-19 pandemic, there is unexploited potential for this kind of garden to influence environmental outcomes, public awareness, and market trends. Home vegetable gardens could deliver a small-scale approach to the sustainable use of natural resources, leading towards self-sufficiency, self-regulation, sustainability, and environmental protection. Since Covid has unfrozen the attitude towards farming, healthy food and hygiene; this is the right time for shaping a new behaviour refreezing the same.
