PLANTS are a critical component of the ecosystem and provide essential support for the survival of the human race. Plants are the lungs of planet Earth and depending on the species, are healthy food sources. In observance of International Earth Day 2015, First Lady DeolatchmeeRamotar teamed up with the Cove and John Ashram and the Guyana Chest Society to plant sijan plants.Sijan can be used in a vegetarian diet and is a very good source of protein, vitamin A, iron and calcium.
At the Hugo Chavez Shelter, Dr. Jeetendra Mohanlall and team from the Guyana Chest Society, collaborated with Dr. Dwight Waldron and colleagues from the Ministry of Agriculture along with the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security to initiate the development of a protein bank with sijan and pigeon peas plants.
According to Dr. Mohanlall, sijan and pigeon peas plants were chosen because of their high nutritional value. Dr. Mohanlall emphasised that protein helps the body to repair worn cells and make new ones. This food group is especially important for growth and development in children, teens, and pregnant women.
He encourages everyone to plant a tree with nutritional value to promote healthy bodies in a healthy environment.