Plant cultivation course develops skills at the Nova Lima Environmental Education Center

The Cultivation of Aromatic, Medicinal and Condiment Plants Course, which began on Monday (October 6) and ended on Friday (October 10) at the Nova Lima City Hall's Environmental Education Center (CEA), was an initiative that promoted technical learning and awakened a passion for nature among the participants.

With the support of Cedro Mineração, 12 students took part in theoretical and practical classes taught by Cleisimar Canuto, a teacher from the National Rural Learning Service (SENAR). The Haruji Miura Seedling Nursery - voluntarily donated by Cedro and inaugurated in September - was key to the practical classes, providing the plants used in the activities.

Throughout the week, the participants developed skills in identifying medicinal, aromatic and spice species, preparing organic inputs, planting, fertilizing, irrigating, weeding, pest and disease control, pruning, harvesting, drying, storing and marketing, as well as basic notions about formulating and legislating herbal medicines.

‍Didacticspraised

The students highlighted the excellence of the teaching and the vast technical knowledge of the instructor. Retired Cássio Garcia, who took part in the course, said that the activity reminded him of his grandparents' experiences in growing medicinal plants, keeping the family tradition alive.

"The course was excellent. The didactics, the material and the location were very suitable for the practical application of what was taught in class. The instructor's technical knowledge added a lot to the learning experience," he said. He was also present at the inauguration of the nursery and stressed the importance of a space like this for the community:

"It's an opportunity to distribute seedlings on a large scale and learn at the same time. With the nursery, we understand plant management better."

‍Sourceof income

For Eva Tomás Rogério, who works as a nanny, the course broadened her knowledge about the use of herbs in everyday life and revealed a potential for generating income:

"I was very happy with the classes and the teacher. It was an enriching activity that brings many benefits. If the student wants to go on, they can turn what they've learned into a new professional activity."

Instructor Cleisimar Canuto stressed the importance of the training:

"Today there is a great demand for producers of medicinal, aromatic and spicy plants, both for cooking and for the essential oil market and alternative practices. The course was fundamental to meeting this need."

‍Learningby doing

The methodology adopted made the most of practice. "The feedback was one hundred percent. The students were very engaged, there were no absences and they all participated fully in the 40-hour course. Direct contact with the plants increased interest and consolidated learning," explained the teacher.

The participants received certificates recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) and the Ministry of Labor, reinforcing the skills they had acquired and opening doors to new opportunities.

‍Environmental education

Cedro Mineração's General Manager for the Environment, Edinilson Barbosa, highlighted the importance of the initiative. "Investing in environmental education means working to raise awareness among current and future generations. We believe that making people aware of the importance of preservation is essential for sustainable and responsible development in Nova Lima. Both the nursery, with its distribution of seedlings, and the training courses are key to this process."