The main aim of the campaign, which will be mainly targeting the youngsters, is spreading the awareness about burning issues of climate change and nutritional security that can be addressed with the use of urban and peri urban horticulture methods.

Concept of urban and peri urban horticulture includes interior and exterior landscaping, rooftop gardening, aquatic gardening and utilization of vacant spaces for vegetable and flower cultivation.

As a first step, the university in association with Horticultural Society of Gujarat (HSG), Confederation of Horticultural Associations of India (CHAI), New Delhi and Gujarat Association for Agricultural Sciences (Navsari Chapter) held a national workshop on these horticulture methods on December 21.

With rapid urbanization eating away the agriculture space, horticulture is touted to be a game changer for the region.

"Our aim to inculcate the habit of having a verandah or terrace garden among young generation," said N Dr NL Patel, dean, horticulture department, NAU. "The spread of the importance of horticulture will help achieve the motto of green cities," he added.

"If one has garden growing vegetables, fruits and flowers on the terrace and courtyard, they could reduce the temperature in the houses by as much as 10 degrees Celsius and won't require air conditioners," said Patel.

Dr HP Singh, former DDG (Horticulture) and Founder President, CHAI, New Delhi, said, "The concepts of kitchen gardens and growing fruit trees, if propagated and spread in urban areas, could take care of burning issues of nutritional imbalance and security. We plan to do that by spreading awareness and inclusion of UPH in the course curriculum programme of horticulture faculty."