Association of People with Disability to host annual garden fair, orchid mela from Friday

Bengaluru: The Association of People with Disability (APD) will hold its annual garden fair and orchid mela from December 13 to 22 at the APD Horticulture Training Centre, LIC Colony, Jeevan Bima Nagar.

The event will showcase the achievements of persons with disability (PWDs) trained under the association’s horticulture training programme.

The programme empowers people with physical and mental disabilities through a three-month course that combines horticultural therapy with skills training. Trainees, identified from across the state, receive job-based and soft-skills training in sustainable agriculture and horticulture, along with screening and hostel facilities.

Since its inception, the programme has trained over 4,500 individuals from Karnataka’s rural and urban areas in sustainable agriculture, landscaping, floriculture, and related fields. Notably, 80% of trainees have secured employment, achieving greater self-reliance.

The 10-day mela will feature an extensive collection of plants, including orchids, cacti, palms, fruit palms, and decorative flowers. Visitors can attend workshops on kitchen, herb and terrace gardening, and explore stalls offering garden tools, seeds, saplings, and eco-friendly products such as coco peat and manure. 

Proceeds from the event will support APD’s training programmes, ensuring sustainability and livelihood opportunities for rural PWDs.