Another City is Possible: Maalis and Nurseries in Environmental Conservation

New Delhi: In a bid to promote environmental conservation and sustainable urban development the People Resource Centre in collaboration with the Indian Nursery Association organized a significant event at the Greenway Nursery in Dera Road, Fatehpur Beri on 27th February 2024. Titled “Another City is Possible: Maalis and Nurseries,” the event aimed to highlight the crucial role of gardeners (maalis) and nurseries in shaping a greener, healthier future for urban spaces.

The event brought together a diverse audience including environmentalists, horticulturists, urban planners and gardening enthusiasts. It served as a platform for meaningful discussions and exchanges of ideas on how maalis and nurseries can contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.

One of the key highlights of the event was the panel discussion featuring experts from the field of horticulture and environmental conservation. They discussed the challenges faced by maalis and nurseries in urban areas and explored innovative solutions to promote their role in environmental conservation.

Nurserymen from various parts of the region gathered to share their experiences and challenges in building and sustaining nurseries. One of the primary issues discussed was the lack of access to quality seeds and plant material. One of the nurseryman from the outskirts of Dehradun “We often struggle to find reliable sources for high-quality seeds and plant material, which hampers our ability to grow healthy and diverse plants.”

Another major challenge highlighted during the event was the lack of awareness among the public about the importance of native plant species. A nurseryman specializing in native plants emphasized “Educating the public about the benefits of native plants is crucial. Many people are unaware of the environmental advantages of planting native species over exotic ones.”

The event also addressed the issue of water scarcity, which poses a significant challenge for nurseries especially during dry seasons. A nurseryman from a drought-prone area shared his struggle stating, “Water scarcity is a major concern for us. We need to find innovative ways to conserve water and ensure the survival of our plants.”

Despite these challenges, the nurserymen expressed optimism and a strong commitment to their work. They highlighted the importance of collaboration and support from the government and the community to overcome these obstacles.

YP Singh, the President of the Indian Nurserymen Association offered valuable insights into improving nurseries globally and addressing the challenges faced by maalis worldwide. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Singh highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in enhancing nursery practices and supporting maalis.

When asked about how nurseries can be improved worldwide Mr. Singh emphasized the need for knowledge sharing and technology adoption. He stated “Nurseries can be improved by sharing best practices, innovative techniques, and adopting modern technologies. This can enhance the quality of plants and increase productivity.”

Mr. Singh also stressed the importance of sustainable practices in nursery management. He added “Sustainability should be at the core of nursery operations. This includes using eco-friendly methods, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity.”

Regarding the difficulties faced by maalis around the world Mr. Singh highlighted several key challenges. He noted “Maalis often face issues such as lack of recognition low wages and limited access to training and resources. There is a need to address these challenges and provide better support to maalis.”

Mr. Singh suggested that creating awareness about the importance of maalis in environmental conservation and providing them with better training and resources could help improve their situation. He also emphasized the need for fair wages and recognition for maalis’ valuable contribution to society.

Mr. Singh’s insights shed light on the critical issues surrounding nurseries and maalis worldwide. His recommendations for collaboration innovation and sustainability provide a roadmap for improving nurseries and supporting maalis in their crucial role in environmental conservation.

The event concluded with a resolve to address the challenges faced by nurserymen and to promote the role of maalis and nurseries in environmental conservation. It is hoped that such initiatives will pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future for urban areas.