Self- Drive

Perfect weather to visit a farm set up by an Internationally qualified farmer trained in sustainable agriculture and poultry production, who also manages a local cooperative of organic farmers, to promote organic food in Islamabad.

After taking a round of the farm and being briefed on modern organic techniques we will retreat to the small farm house where the local kitchen will prepare a lunch for us using only organic produce: Bread, chicken, eggs and salads...!

‘Organic food’ is the term used for healthy food grown on farms, the same way our grandparents had grown produce - using traditional methods, organic fertilizers and natural pesticides. The artificial intervention of genetically altered seeds, chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the food supply chain has raised concerns for food safety.

The farm is spread over 60 Kanals with half of it being used for vegetable production using tunnel farming technique while the other half is being used for poultry production.We will be able to see radish, carrots, turnips, peas, cabbage, spinach and mustard along with a wide range of green and red salads being grown on the farm. There are over 600 free range birds on the farm which feed openly on the organic feed being produced on the farm using milled grains from a local granary, flax seed, turmeric, cinnamon etc.

An opportunity not to be missed!

A Self-Drive programme. Travel in convoy. Avoid car pooling with non-family members...

We will visit a beautifully landscaped, private farmhouse located at Tumair (within the Islamabad Capital Territory) approximately 25 k.m. from Chak Shahzad area. The drive to the farm is 30-45 minutes.

With a stream running through it, circling the immaculately manicured lawns…a wide variety of flowers and an extensive collection of fruiting trees, the garden is at its peak in early spring with all its highlighted features at their best!

· The presentation will be followed by tea and snacks and over before sunset.

· This is an outdoor event. Please follow Covid related SOPs.

As the winter cold eventually subsides and spring arrives, we should get ready to plant our favourite fruit trees this season!

We will visit a beautiful adobe house on a hill near Simly Dam, via a purpose built road that has been carved into the hill to access it. The garden and the surrounding mountains offer stunning panoramic views and seem to enjoy a symbiotic relationship!

We will gather in the garden on the hilltop to discuss fruit plant types that are suitable for this region and the factors to keep in mind while planting : site preparation, planting time, care during and after planting and other related issues...

and then find our own spot by the lakeside for a picnic!

Bring your favourite refreshments/ mats or folding chairs to enjoy the gorgeous view , relax and have a good time!!

AND AS A SPECIAL TREAT!!!
Each participant will be gifted a fruit plant to grow in their own garden before heading home!

Bring family and friends along and enjoy a day’s outing!

We will be driving to a citrus farm to see fruiting organic orange trees. The farm is located approximately 25 km. from the Rawal lake area...the drive is 30-40 minutes.

The oranges at the Farm are unique to this region as they are red from inside and are grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Located in a beautiful setting with a backdrop of mountains, and a river winding down between the farm and the mountains. Our host will give us a guided tour of the orchards and give a brief talk on growing citrus plants, their maintenance, fertilizer and pest control.

Tropical Fruit trees are classified as trees which grow between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

These trees mostly bear fruit that is bright coloured and strong flavoured.  Most of them are not native to Islamabad, but they can be appreciated and viewed when avid gardeners create the right growing conditions for them in selected spaces where their requirements are met.