The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has launched innovative home garden model aimed at encouraging families to grow safe, nutritious vegetables in limited spaces such as terraces, balconies and small kitchen gardens.
The initiative called Panchakam recommends cultivating five selected crops—drumstick, papaya, chilli, curry leaf and cowpea—in at least five pots or a small patch of land to ensure a year-round supply of nutrient-rich vegetables for household consumption.
T. Sajitha Rani, Vice Chancellor said the programme represents a practical step towards promoting sustainable and self-reliant kitchen gardens across Kerala. The concept would help families produce pesticide-free vegetables while improving nutritional security.
The ‘Panchakam’ concept was developed by T. Pradeepkumar, Emeritus Professor, Department of Vegetable Science, KAU.
While an individual requires about 300 grams of vegetables per day, the average consumption in Kerala is only 100–120 grams. The new model seeks to bridge this nutritional gap through simple household cultivation.
The five crops were selected for their nutritional value and suitability to Kerala’s climate. Drumstick leaves are rich in iron, iodine and vitamins A and C; tender papaya provides vitamin C and dietary fibre; chilli contains capsaicin and essential vitamins; curry leaves are a rich source of iron, antioxidants and vitamins; and cowpea supplies plant-based protein.
KAU said the model is particularly suited to urban households and homes with limited space, requiring only about half a cent of land or at least five containers on a terrace to establish a productive kitchen garden. By encouraging continuous cultivation of these crops, KAU hopes to strengthen household nutrition, promote healthy eating and support sustainable urban agriculture.
Published on August 2, 2026