Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar

Brahmavar, Mar 19: In today's era of moving away from agriculture, the students of Kannada medium school have set an example for the state by practicing organic mixed farming. Santhekatte Senior Primary School of the 38th Kalthur village of Brahmavar taluk has impressed the people through organic farming.

‘Spandana’ Environmental Association was established in the school with the help of SDMC and teacher's guidance and the students began farming activities. They have provided chicken manure and cotton manure to the students and emphasised on organic farming. Ganjala sprinkled neem juice is also used to ensure that the plants do not get diseases.

A 25,000- litre capacity tank has been built to irrigate the vegetable plants and sprinkler irrigation has been installed for the plants to prevent water from getting wasted. Already 150 gum trees, 150 raddish plants and 200 onion vines have been planted. About 20 kilos of onions and 40 kilos of gumbo are harvested a week.

In this government school, emphasis is placed on agriculture by organising row paddy planting, mud paddy run, nut sheet race, and various competitions by establishing Spandana Eco club. Wildlife department of Kudremukh zone through Hebri zone gives the students a visit to Chinnara forest.

Last time, the number of students in the school was 169 and this number has increased to 187 in the current academic year. Students from Hosur, Santhekatte, Shivapura, Kenjoor, Kerebettu villages are being educated in the school, three male teachers, and six female teachers are guiding the students in extra-curricular activities.

Students of this school have achieved at the state and national sports events. Ranjitha represented Yoga at the national level, Devanna Nayka and Sandeep and others in Athletics at the state level. It has been awarded the first place in the Udupi district parade of Republic Day and Kannada Rajyotsava for 15 consecutive years. The school has a good student band team and the band team is participating in taluk and State-level sports events.

“Many organisations have recognised our efforts. The number of students has also increased positively. Farmers should not deviate from farming and in this regard we are encouraging farming activities among students,” says Madhava, headmaster of the school.