Mangaluru: In an inspiring initiative that blends education with agriculture, students from Thiruvail Govt Model Kannada and English Medium Higher Primary School successfully harvested a rice crop they cultivated themselves.This effort, supported by a local family with a paddy field, not only provided a hands-on learning experience for the students, but also set a precedent for integrating agricultural education into school curriculums. Approximately 130 days ago, these young learners embarked on their agricultural journey by planting rice seedlings in a corner of their school ground. With guidance and support, the seedlings were later transplanted to a nearby field belonging to Raghu Salian, a local contractor and alumnus of the school. On Nov 11, the students reaped the fruits of their labour, harvesting the rice and transporting it back to the school, where they engaged in traditional grain separation methods. They used organic fertiliser and manure for farming.Salian, who is associated with school development activities for many years, said that the harvested rice will be processed and used in the school’s midday meal programme, ensuring that the students benefit directly from their hard work. “This initiative not only teaches the students about the agricultural process, but also instils a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the food they consume,” he said.Class VII student Deepthi, sharing her experience, expressed gratitude for the experience and said, “We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to plant and harvest rice ourselves. This experience will help us understand the value of food and discourage waste.”Another student, Mohammed Sawar, highlighted the educational value of the project and said, “We learned about the hard work behind rice production. This experience will remain in our memory for a lifetime.”The initiative has garnered praise from local agricultural leaders and community members. Retired banker L Krishnamurthy also lauded the programme, emphasising the importance of raising agricultural awareness and the use of organic fertilisers.The success of this project was made possible through the collaboration of the school’s Vidyabodhini Education Trust, the Salian family, school staff, and local labourers.
