Even today in the village people take the help of nature for the treatment of minor diseases. There are many such medicinal plants, which have been used in our country for many years. Such medicinal plants are not only beneficial for our health. Also good for the environment. At the same time, we rarely get to see such trees and plants in cities. But today we are going to tell you about a person from Rajkot, who has made a beautiful garden in the city itself and has planted many seasonal vegetables and medicinal plants in it.
Jayeshbhai, a businessman by profession, has a good knowledge about the use of all herbs and gives information about their use to family, neighbors and friends. So let’s meet Jayeshbhai Raddia who lives an eco-friendly life in a modern city like Rajkot.
Eight years ago, when he got his house built in Rajkot, he had decided that he would use more and more natural things in it. In their house, sunlight is used for everything from lighting, heating water and cooking.
The Better India Talking to TOI, he said, “The big windows built in my house get good light during the day and cool air at night. Due to this, the use of electricity is also very less.
Gardening learned from mother
Jayeshbhai, apart from the everyday vegetables at home, also grows many new varieties of vegetables and then uses it to prepare new dishes every day. For example, pickles are made from home grown bamboo. Many vegetables are dried in solar cookers and used throughout the year. At the same time, he buys only potatoes, onions and tomatoes from the market. He gets all the rest of the vegetables from the home garden itself.
Since, Jayeshbhai’s mother is already fond of gardening. So taking inspiration from her, he takes up gardening. In this, his mother and wife support him fully. From time to time, their mother takes care of the work like adding fertilizer and water to the plants.
Jayeshbhai’s house has more than 400 plants of more than 130 herbs, which include Kantha, three types of Tulsi, Asthi Zanjeer, Lakshmitaru, Black pepper, Chanothi, Arjuna. He himself uses it. Also, having good knowledge of all these herbs, they also give it to the people around them when needed.
Apart from this, he has also planted many vegetables including chilli, brinjal, carrot, truffle, gourd, spinach. “We have also grown cassava at home, which can be used to make coffee and has many ayurvedic benefits,” he said.
Composting is done from kitchen waste in the house. So that they can get compost at home for all these plants. For this, he has made a pit in his garden, where he makes manure. At the same time, to protect the trees and plants from insects, they also make insecticides at home. He sprays neem oil in his organic garden.
There is a large space of 700 yards in Jayeshbhai’s house, where he has planted these trees. Apart from this, he has also planted many saplings in growbags and pots on the terrace.
Rain water harvesting system keeps water throughout the year in borewell
Jayeshbhai wanted him to use as many natural resources as possible for his needs. That’s why he had also built rain water harvesting system while building the house. Because of this, the water level of the ground remains good due to rain water. “The borewell level in his house is always high and good quality water is available throughout the year,” he says.
Jayeshbhai is of the opinion that the government should now make rainwater harvesting mandatory in every village and town of the country. So that rain water does not flow into rivers and streams. This will not only improve the ground water level, but also reduce the risk of floods.
Due to their rainwater harvesting, the water level in the borewells of many houses in the area has increased.
Solar energy is used properly
He says, “Since Gujarat gets good sunshine most of the year. That’s why we are using solar cooker since last 20 years. This also saves a lot of gas. Apart from the solar cooker, there is also a solar heater on the roof for hot water. Not only this, he told that soon he is also going to install solar panels for the electricity needs of the house. This will reduce the cost of gas as well as electricity.
Jayeshbhai’s birth place is in Jamka village, 120 km from Rajkot. There, only organic farming is being done on their farms for years.
Being brought up in the village, his life is connected with nature. He believes that to save the earth from great danger in future, we have to stop using plastic. He uses the least amount of plastic in his house and tries to recycle as much plastic as possible. Carrying a cloth bag while going to the market is a part of their lifestyle. That’s why they don’t even need plastic in many places.
Jayeshbhai has proved through his efforts that by making some small changes, we can save the environment along with taking care of our health and saving money.
Editing – Archana Dubey
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