Ekta Nursery was envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, while dedicating the Statue of Unity to the Nation. He suggested of developing this Ekta Nursery as a tourist destination to spread awareness about eco-friendly practices.
This nursery serves dual purposes of serving as an educational cum demonstration centre for tourists and providing employment to local people. Ekta Nursery yields one million plants, signifying the underlying theme of Unity pervading across Ekta Nagar.
EKTA HANDICRAFTS:
Tourists can experience making of Bamboo Crafts, Areca Leaf Utensils and Organic Pots live, and can purchase them too, along with Ekta plants. This is a Demonstration cum Sale Unit.
- Bamboo Craft: Be a part of the cause, save the environment by being a conscious consumer.
- Areca Leaf Utensils: Areca leaf utensils are biodegradable and eco-friendly products made from the leaves shed by areca palm trees.
- Organic Pots:Experience endless joy of making environment friendly biodegradable pots.
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Bonsai: A Bonsai-making training and display area has been created with a view to exposing the visitors with the fascinating art of creating miniatures of the forest giants.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
- Hydroponics (soil less farming) – A unit has been setup to promote novel technologies in farming.
- Honey Bees: An Apiary has been established to exhibit and highlight the role of Honey Bees, which not only provide us with honey but have a remarkable role to play in eco system as pollinators.
- Kadaknath: Kadaknath is a black colour chicken, with meat and blood black in colour. Found only in India, it has now also got a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. It is rich in protein (25% higher than any chicken breed), rich in minerals like niacin, protein, fat, calcium, nicotinic, iron, and acid and vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E and has low fat content. Kadaknath meat is used for treating nervous disorder while its blood is used for treating chronic diseases.
The central part of nursery is dedicated to displaying the ethnic tribal culture of the region. A tribal hut containing various artifacts used by the locals depicts the native culture to the visitors. Souvenir shops have been setup and being run by Gujarat Forest Development Corporation and Cottage & Rural Industries Department.
A Cafeteria has been set to cater the tourists with fabulous tribal delicacies, especially the Herbal Tribal Tea – a unique beverage of this region. Most of the activities here are conducted by women self-help groups belonging to villages around Ekta Nagar. This initiative contributes to employment of local people and is a contributor to the cause of social upliftment.
Moreover, the site is exceptionally picturesque, situated in the valley formed by the majestic Vindyachal and Satpuda mountain ranges, along the banks of Narmada river.
The aesthetic exquisiteness can only be experienced rather than told. The breath-taking view of the world’s tallest statue can be seen from the viewing point at the nursery.