Horiculture

Exotic Vegetable Pak choi Successfully Cultivated with Seed Production at ITM University, Gwalior

The Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior has successfully cultivated Pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), an exotic and nutritionally rich leafy vegetable, for the second consecutive year. Successful seed production was achieved last year, which is notable as seed production of cole crops is generally confined to hilly regions. Pak choi (or bok choy) is a member of the cabbage family – mature plants form tight upright rosettes with broad white or pale green stems and large lush leaves.

In the current season, the crop has again shown healthy growth and flowering, indicating good prospects for seed production under the plains conditions of Gwalior. Pak choi is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and antioxidants, and is widely used in salads, soups, stir-fries, and other culinary preparations.

The success demonstrates Pakchoi as an emerging high-value crop for the region, This achievement opens new opportunities for local farmers, as Pak choi is emerging as a promising crop for both exotic vegetable production and seed production in this region.

Eco-Friendly Decorative Frame from Waste and Dried Flowers

An innovative activity was carried out by B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture, VIII Semester, ELP students to create decorative frames using waste materials and dried flowers, promoting sustainability and creativity. Discarded items such as cardboard, old paper, and natural dried flowers were transformed into aesthetically appealing home décor. This activity encouraged recycling, artistic expression, and eco-friendly practices while enhancing students’ practical skills and entrepreneurial abilities.

Harnessing Beetroot Microgreens for Health: A Horti-Medicine Initiative

Beetroot microgreens are cultivated as a practical component of the value-added course “Horti-Medicine for Human Welfare” to demonstrate the role of horticulture in promoting health. These nutrient-rich seedlings, high in antioxidants and betalains, support detoxification and overall well-being. Students gain hands-on experience in microgreen production techniques, encouraging adoption of low-cost, space-efficient, and health-oriented cultivation practices.

Wonder Vegetable- Winged Bean

The School of Agriculture at ITM University Gwalior has initiated the first cultivation of Winged Bean in the Gwalior region to evaluate its adaptability under local conditions. The trial is being conducted on a 3 × 6 m² plot using the variety Kashi Annapurna, sourced from the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi.

Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), known as the “Vegetable of the 21st Century,” is a highly nutritious, multipurpose crop where all plant parts are edible. It is rich in protein, improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, and performs well even in marginal soils.