Benefits of Growing Plants

1. By: Jannat Gul Soomro

2.  Earth is called a green planet due to the
presence of plants on it.
 Plants are considered to be the first
living organisms born on the earth.
 Without plants, the environment and human
life on this earth cannot exist.
 We grow plants in our homes, gardens, farms,
roadsides, etc.

3.  Their presence is inevitable for clean air, food,
and water in this world.

4. 1. Food: Plants are the main source of food for humans.
Plants, unlike humans and animals, manufacture their
own food. They do so by the process known
as photosynthesis in their green leaves by use
of sunlight.
 From this manufactured food, they consume some of it
and store the remaining. This is stored in the form of
fruits, seeds, tuberous roots, etc. This fruits and other
parts of plants are consumed by humans. The food is in
the form of vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals, leaves,
seeds, mushrooms, etc.
 They provide the complete food comprising
of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
But still, for few vitamins, we may need to rely on
animal foods.

5. 2. Clothing: Plants are the largest providers of
textile and fabric material.
 These materials are eco-friendly, compatible
and less expensive.
 So they are used for making cloth and bedding
material which is required by humans.
 The plant materials like cotton, jute, etc.
contribute for manufacturing of yarn and other
clothing.

6. 3. Furniture & Shelter: Plants are the important
source of furniture. The plant wood is used to
build houses and also to make other furniture
items. We use wood for the purpose due to its
features like durability, stylish finishing, resistance
to temperature changes, etc. The trees like
teak, neem, red sandal, etc. are good sources of
wood for making doors, chairs, shelves, tables, etc.
 Even the presence of plants around the area of
human life relieves stress. Hence we see many
people growing small plants in their household to
get fresh air and also give naturalness.

7. 4. Flowers: Flowers are used widely by humans.
They are used for beauty, to convey feelings
and also for their fragrance. In some countries,
they worn as garlands and even in the hair on
the head for beauty. While some use them to
convey their love to their beloved ones. They
are also used to produce fragrance, and even
their scent is extracted for daily use.

8. 5. Medicines: Plants are an excellent source of
medicine even for life-threatening diseases.
 For example drugs like,
 Digoxin for congestive heart failure (from digitalis
plant)
 Vincristine for cancer treatment (from vinca
rosea).
 Theophylline for asthma (from coffee & Tea)
 Ergot for a migraine headache. (from Rye plant
due to fungus ergot)
 Reserpine for blood pressure is obtained from
them.

9. 6. A source of vitamins: Plants are the largest source
of essential vitamins to the body. The body cannot
manufacture vitamins on its own for metabolism.
7. Rubber & Plastic: We obtain rubber required for
tire, wiring, seats, etc. from plants.
8. Natural pesticides: Plants are also the source of
insecticides and pesticides. Using artificial
pesticides are harmful to the environment. They
may even enter food causing health issue to
human and animals. Using these naturally derived
pesticides are safe. They degrade with time and
even do not harm the soil. Ex: Pyrethrin (as
Mosquito repellant), Neem, bacteria, etc.

10.  9. Biofuels: Some plants are also grown for the sake of
bio-fuels. The plant’s fuel is less toxic since it does not
emit harmful gasses and also less expensive. Even the
plant waste is used to generate electricity.
 10. Economic contribution: Plants are great
contributors to an economy. Many countries rely on
agriculture as one of the main sources of revenue.
 Plants are responsible for the production of food,
cosmetics, drugs, cloth, honey, gum, tannins, essential
oils (perfumes), alkaloids, resins, etc. which are all
money yielding. So plants provide a great contribution
to economic growth. Even now many countries
economies are primarily dependent on plant products.