Context:
Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Union Minister for Rural Development inaugurated School Soil Health Programme, New Delhi.
Relevance:
GS II: Education
Dimensions of the Article:
- School Soil Health Programme
- Significance of School Soil Health Programme
School Soil Health Programme:
- The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with the Department of School Education and Literacy, has initiated a pilot project focused on the School Soil Health Programme.
Key Features:
Pilot Project Implementation:
- Initiated with collaboration from the Department of School Education and Literacy, the pilot project established 20 soil labs in Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalaya schools in rural areas.
Study Modules and Training:
- Specialized study modules were developed, and training sessions were conducted for both students and teachers.
Customized Mobile Application:
- A mobile application tailored for the school programme was introduced, featuring a dedicated portal segment documenting all student activities.
Scaling Up to 1000 Schools:
- Following the successful pilot, the programme has been expanded to include 1000 schools, encompassing Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and Eklavya Model Schools.
Lab Setup by NABARD:
- The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), will establish soil labs in these schools.
Student-led Soil Sampling and Testing:
- Students from the enrolled schools will actively collect soil samples, perform tests in the on-site labs, and generate Soil Health Cards.
Farmers’ Education:
- Following the card generation, students will take the initiative to educate farmers about the recommendations provided in the Soil Health Cards.
Significance of School Soil Health Programme:
Hands-on Learning Opportunities:
- The programme offers students the opportunity to conduct experiments, analyze soil samples, and explore the rich biodiversity within the soil.
Skill Development:
- Through practical engagement, students will develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
