Students of SRIM Boys Higher Secondary School in Pollachi learned farming in a unique way – by maintaining a natural garden of spinach, lady’s fingers, radish, tomato, brinjal, beans, and fenugreek. This is one of the 20 ‘School Students’ Gardens’ established in the district by S. Logambal, District Eco Coordinator.
The brain child of Coimbatore Chief Educational Officer, T. Ganesh Moorthy, the first such garden was started at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Thondamuthur, in June.
The system quickly spread to other government schools in the district and even a couple of private and aided schools. Schools without adequate land or water supply opted for roof top farming.
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A natural farmer, Thangavelu, supplies seeds and natural manure to schools free of cost.
The students undertake ploughing and soil preparation under his guidance, and plant seeds. Indigenous farming practices are implemented. The produce is used in the preparation of the mid-day meals, and surplus is sold to teachers. The money collected is used to buy more seeds and manure. In some schools, vegetable soup is prepared for students of Standards X to Plus-Two who attend evening classes.
From watering the plants every morning to selling and collecting money, the students take care of everything, according to Ms. Logambal.
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“I don’t have to do any follow up; students report everything to me themselves. Children who were afraid of mathematics before, are experts at managing accounts now,” she smiles. Some have even started similar gardens at home, encouraged by parents and teachers.
The aim is to teach students self-reliance and become environmentally responsible, says Ms. Logambal. “They see the result of their work in a couple of months. This keeps them motivated,” she addss.
Costs are mostly borne by sponsors. The Rotary Club sponsored a bag garden in a city school recently. Waste management techniques will be implemented in Pollachi this month with the support from Thavaram, an NGO.
Eco-clubs in schools take responsibility for maintaining the gardens. “We will establish gardens in more schools in the district. This is the best way to raise awareness about the environment among students,” says Ms. Logambal.
The next garden is set to be opened at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Anaimalai this week.