Sullia School Transforms Playground Into Paddy Field for Hands-On Agriculture Lessons

A unique educational initiative is taking place at a school nestled amidst the natural surroundings of Sullia in Karnataka, where students are learning the practical aspects of food cultivation. This Kannada Medium school has embarked on a new experiment this academic year, aiming to enhance students’ understanding of agriculture by integrating hands-on learning with their curriculum.

This institution, renowned for its focus on environmental education, has embraced the concept of a “nature school.” In previous years, the school has incorporated lessons about nature and environmental conservation into their classroom teaching. This year, however, the school has taken a significant step forward by establishing a paddy field within its premises. Typically, students learn about food crops and agricultural processes through their textbooks, which outline the theoretical aspects of farming. However, these lessons often remain abstract, limiting students’ understanding to the theoretical level. To address this gap and provide practical experience, the school has decided to transform the playground into a functioning paddy field.

The decision to use the playground for agriculture came about because the area becomes muddy and unusable during the rainy season, rendering it unsuitable for recreational activities. By utilizing this space for paddy cultivation, the school aims to provide students with a tangible farming experience.

The process began with preparing the field by incorporating sand, ash, and manure to enrich the soil. Skilled paddy farmers were then brought in to assist with the cultivation process. Under their guidance, students participated in the planting of paddy, learning firsthand about the various stages of crop production. The field preparation and planting were conducted by the students themselves, with expert guidance from Nityananda, a seasoned paddy farmer from Sullia. This hands-on approach not only educates the students about agriculture but also connects them with the practical aspects of farming.