Being physically challenged is not a challenge to leading a decent life for these 32 people, who are now being trained in growing ornamental plants by the Association for Physically Disabled (APD) at their centre in Kyasanahalli, about 25 kms from Bangalore.

On Friday, nine members of the first batch were issued certificates on completion of the 10-month-training at the APD Centre for Horticulture Training.

The APD had also incorporated some mentally ill youth in its training programme.

Horticulture fair
A unique three-day horticulture fair showcasing over 200 varieties of ornamental plants was also launched on Friday. The Government had sanctioned five acres of land to the APD in 2001.

However, it took over four years to reclaim from this barren land the top soil that had been eroded due to the presence of a brick manufacturing industry, and build the existing farm - equipped with accommodation for trainees and employees, and a rain water harvesting facility.

Placement
Currently, the Centre has 32 trainees and 18 staff. “By next year, we want to train around 50-60 persons a year and employ around 25 people,” APD Director Mr Basavarju said.

The Centre also takes care of placement of the trained people, capitalising on the big demand for horticulture experts in the corporate sectors for landscape maintenance.