The School Soil Health Programme, a collaborative initiative by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers welfare (DA&FW) and the Department of School Education and Literacy, aims to establish soil labs in schools and engage students in generating soil health cards for farmers. This innovative approach not only fosters agricultural knowledge among students but also contributes to the sustainable management of soil resources.
Pilot Project and Expansion
The School Soil Health Programme began as a pilot project, setting the stage for a larger-scale implementation.
Pilot Project:
- 20 soil labs established in 20 schools of Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalaya in rural areas
- Study modules developed and training provided to students and teachers
- Mobile application customized for the school programme
- Portal created with a separate segment for documenting student activities
Expansion:
- The programme has now been scaled up to 1000 schools
- Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and Eklavya Model Schools included in the expansion
- Schools onboarded on the portal and online batches created
- DA&FW, through NABARD, to set up soil labs in these schools
| Programme Component | Details |
| Participating Schools | – Kendriya Vidyalaya<br>- Navodaya Vidyalaya<br>- Eklavya Model Schools |
| Soil Labs | – Set up by DA&FW through NABARD<br>- Equipped with necessary tools and resources |
| Student Involvement | – Collect soil samples<br>- Test samples in school labs<br>- Generate soil health cards |
| Farmer Outreach | – Students to share soil health card recommendations with farmers |
Objectives and Significance
The School Soil Health Programme has multifaceted objectives that bridge the gap between education and agriculture.
Objectives:
- Provide students with hands-on experience in soil testing and analysis
- Generate soil health cards for farmers, promoting sustainable soil management practices
- Foster a deeper understanding of agriculture and its importance among students
- Encourage students to explore careers in agriculture and related fields
Significance:
- Enhances agricultural knowledge and skills among students
- Promotes sustainable soil management practices, benefiting farmers and the environment
- Bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application
- Encourages students to consider agriculture as a viable career option
- Strengthens the link between schools and the farming community
Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes
The School Soil Health Programme offers students a unique opportunity to engage in practical agricultural activities and develop critical thinking skills.
Student Activities:
- Collection of soil samples from farmlands
- Testing soil samples in school labs using standardized procedures
- Analyzing soil test results and generating soil health cards
- Interacting with farmers to share soil health card recommendations
Learning Outcomes:
- Enhanced understanding of soil properties and their impact on crop growth
- Practical skills in soil testing and analysis
- Exposure to sustainable agricultural practices and their significance
- Development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Increased awareness of career opportunities in agriculture and related sectors
Farmer Benefits and Agricultural Sustainability
The School Soil Health Programme not only benefits students but also has a direct impact on farmers and agricultural sustainability.
Farmer Benefits:
- Access to soil health cards providing crucial information on soil nutrient status
- Recommendations for optimal fertilizer application and soil management practices
- Increased crop productivity and resource efficiency through informed decision-making
- Opportunity to interact with students and gain insights into modern agricultural practices
Agricultural Sustainability:
- Promotion of sustainable soil management practices, reducing environmental degradation
- Optimization of fertilizer use, minimizing nutrient runoff and pollution
- Increased awareness of soil health among farmers, encouraging long-term sustainability
- Strengthening of the link between education and agriculture, fostering innovation and knowledge transfer
The School Soil Health Programme represents a significant step towards integrating agricultural education and sustainable soil management practices.
- By engaging students in the process of generating soil health cards, the programme not only imparts practical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of agriculture’s importance.
- As the programme expands to more schools, its impact on both education and agriculture sectors is set to grow.
- Through this innovative approach, the School Soil Health Programme is cultivating a new generation of agriculturally informed citizens who can contribute to the sustainable development of India’s farming community.