Student Farmers of Malapuram

Students of Sullamussalam Oriental School in Areekode in Malapuram District learned first- hand about rice cultivation by taking the initiative to use a nearby one-and-a half acres of paddy field belonging to Noushir Kallada. The students under the initiative of National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) used their spare time effectively and during holidays to sow the seeds, manure and nurture the crop to harvest stage. The rice variety cultivated this year belonged to Gandhakashala which is used in the making of biriyani while last year they cultivated the ‘Aiswaraya’ variety. The cultivated rice will be used to make meals for the 2750 students for the farewell ceremony of 10th and 12th standard students. The student volunteers could also make an effective intervention in solving the drinking water problem in the region. Students became aware of the entire process of rice cultivation and the challenges in growing food from seed to harvest.