The apparent lack of interest in agriculture among the younger generation in Kerala seems to have disappeared, or so it seems from the considerably large number of innovations and projects related to agriculture presented at the science fair for higher secondary students held as part of the Kerala School Science Fair in Kozhikode.
From working models to still models to research prototype projects, the students seem to be on a mission to make agriculture easier, more affordable and profitable.
Students of Sacred Heart HSS, Mylapra, Pathanamthitta, have come up with a multi-seed sowing machine which takes care of tasks such as digging, sowing, adding fertilizers and the later clean-up in an orderly manner.
A solar-powered agriculture machine made by students of Government Higher Secondary School, Kodungalloor, Thrissur, also makes up for four types of agricultural equipment.
The difference is that the former is manual while the latter is solar powered.
Coagulation of rubber
Students of AKJMHSS, Kanjirappally, Kottayam, have come up with a novel technology for coagulation of rubber. The electrolysis method is cheaper compared to the old method that uses acid. It is non-polluting too.
Students of GHSS, Meenangadi, Wayanad, have found that weeds, instead of being destroyed mercilessly, could be put to good use.
They have come up with technology to convert the weeds into juice to be used as fertilizers which, the students say, would yield better results than that of normal fertilizers.
The team from Savio HSS, Kozhikode, has found that PVC pipes provide a better support to pepper wines than any other medium.
The perforated pipes are filled with coconut husk and fertilizers to provide more nutrition to the creepers, thus doubling the crop yield.
Students of St. Mary’s HSS, Idukki, have conducted an extensive study on the effects of climate change on agricultural crops.
Concerm for nature
Students’ concern for nature is evident in the projects to recycle plastics and to find alternatives.
Students of WHSS, Pinangode, Wayanad, have come up with a method to convert discarded plastic into sand, which could be used for construction activities and road tarring.
However, the team from KTCT HSS,Thiruvananthapuram, have gone one step ahead and extracted fuel from plastic, besides the sand.
They have demonstrated that the sand is good enough for agriculture and that the fuel is ideal for vehicles, better and cheaper than petrol.
Bioplastics
Several teams have come up with bioplastics made of various substances such as maida, hay and rice.
The team from Carmel HSS, Chalakudy, however, created biodegradable plastic from shell waste, which is more durable and efficient compared to those made from plant extracts.
Several teams have conducted extensive studies on the sacred groves of the State to show how they contributed to the biodiversity and the ecosystem, highlighting the need to protect them.
