Kundapura: In a commendable initiative, students from eight pre-metric and post-metric hostels under the Backward Classes Welfare Department in Kundapura taluk have embraced agriculture alongside their studies. By creating kitchen gardens, these students are learning the value of physical labor, the importance of farming, and environmental conservation.
Visitors to these hostels are now greeted by lush green surroundings and a variety of growing vegetables. The produce grown in these kitchen gardens is used for hostel meals, and remarkably, the surplus is shared with nearby government schools for midday meals and local Anganwadis.
Created and maintained by students
The entire responsibility of planting, watering, and manning the small plots of land rests with the students. The gardens boast a diverse range of produce including Basale (Malabar spinach), amaranthus, spinach, okra, ridge gourd, eggplant, cluster beans, bottle gourd, radish, and green chilies, among other fruits and vegetables.
Hostel waste as fertilizer
Adopting eco-friendly waste management, the hostels use pipe composting to convert wet and dry kitchen waste into organic manure for the gardens. Some of these hostel gardens are so well-maintained that they rival professional nurseries.
Under the guidance of Udupi District Officer for Backward Classes Welfare, Hakappa R. Lamani, and with the coordination of taluk welfare officers, hostel wardens, and cooking staff, this project has become a major success. Student Nisarga shares that eating fresh, nutritious food they grew themselves provides a unique sense of joy and satisfaction.
Pipe Composting Implementation
By converting food and vegetable waste into manure through pipe composting, the hostels have significantly reduced their waste output. This practice is fostering a sense of social responsibility and environmental consciousness among the students.
Where are these gardens located?
D. Devaraj Urs Post-Metric Girls' Hostel, Hangalur
Post-Metric Girls' Hostels in Kundapura, Koteshwara, and Shankaranarayana
Pre-Metric Girls' Hostels in Kundapura Town, Kedur, and Amasebailu
Pre-Metric Boys' Hostel, Basrur
Student-friendly hostels
"We are developing student-friendly hostels by prioritizing extracurricular activities alongside academics for the holistic growth of students. Managing kitchen gardens provides them with nutritious food while teaching vital lessons in environmental awareness and agriculture," said Hakappa R. Lamani, District Officer, Backward Classes Welfare Department, Udupi.
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