Vegetables play an important role in the global food and nutritional security. Extensive research has revealed their potential role in tackling malnutrition; alleviate nutritional disorders and improving health. Vegetables are the most affordable and sustainable dietary source of vitamins, minerals, plant fiber and other bioactive compounds. The indigenous vegetables (IVs) and underutilized or neglected vegetables are being produced primarily without many inputs because of their adaptation and ability to withstand drought, poor soil conditions and attack of pests and diseases. They also fit well in kitchen/home gardens and can be utilized for their enormous medicinal and nutritional uses. Many nutritionists and social scientists believe that the integration of micronutrient-rich foods into diets is the most sustainable way to alleviate micronutrient malnutrition. Health experts and scientists say produce grown either conventionally or organically, is nutritious and safe to eat for you and your children. They also hope to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Vegetables are the major consumers of synthetic pesticides. This makes vegetables unsafe for human consumption due to unacceptable higher levels of pesticide residue. Botanical extracts and biological control agents are long known to help manage diseases and insect-pests. Therefore, such measures should be encouraged and promoted to protect the vegetable crops from pests and diseases. Simply washing fruits and vegetables produce before eating is a healthful habit that can reduce and often eliminate residues if they are present. It also removes any pesticide residues, dirt or bacteria. Always wash fresh fruits and vegetables with clean hands or scrub brushes before consumption.

A lot of people are living in cities and are at a loss to find a suitable area for a garden. The foundation will offer many gardening opportunities for consideration, so that vegetables can be grown wherever one lives. Growing own vegetables is fairly easy and affordable process and starting a vegetable garden is not as difficult as it seems. Only a few simple guidelines need to be followed in order to become successful in a gardening venture. The Foundation will vigorously promote the concept of home gardens both in urban and rural areas, including hospitals, orphanages, oldage homes, religious places, community centers, and schools. The foundation will help organize dialogues with growers, consumers, distributors, retailers, and civil society organizations to understand the laws and policies pertaining to vegetables safety.

Dr. M.L. Chadha
FNAAS, FHSI, FVSI
Chairman

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