Last year's Grade 03's trip as part of their Farming block

23rd January 2024

Sowmya Teacher (last year's Grade 03 Teacher)'s writeup on her Grade 03's Farming Block trip to Borana Kanive Dam, Tumkur, Karnataka:

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I am happy to share the glimpse of the exciting adventures from our three-day field trip to Borana Kanive Dam, Tumkur, Karnataka, India.

The day started very early to all of us. We all gathered at Konankunte metro station at 6.30 am and started our journey at 7.00 am. It was a 4-hour drive to our destination. On the way, at around 8.30 we had a stopped for breakfast. After breakfast our drive through the forest area was very exiting to reach the destination. We reached Borana Kanive by 12.00 noon.

We were very royally greeted by our host Mr. Adavi Rangayya and Mr. Santosh. Father and Brother of our KG Parent Navya, parent of Arya. We were served with very refreshing Lemon juice. Which just boosted our energies after a drive in the hot dry forest area.

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Day 1 was filled with hands-on experiences, laughter, and the joy of learning as our students actively participated in ragi sowing and harvested fresh brinjals.

Morning activity: Sowing Ragi:

The curriculum commenced with an introduction to ragi cultivation. Our students were taken to the fields to experience the process of sowing ragi saplings. Guided by the knowledgeable farm staff, they learned about the ideal spacing, depth, and care required for these resilient saplings to grow.

The sight of little hands carefully placing each sapling into the soil was a testament to their enthusiasm and curiosity. Questions flowed freely as students engaged in discussions about the importance of ragi.

Afternoon activity: Harvesting Brinjals:

After a delightful picnic lunch amidst the greenery, our students ventured into the vegetable garden to harvest fresh brinjals. Armed with small bags and guided by the farm experts, they carefully selected ripe brinjals from the plants, discovering the various stages of growth and gaining insights into the lifecycle of this versatile vegetable. The joy on their faces as they held their harvest was priceless. The experience not only connected them to the food on their plates but also emphasized the effort and care that go into cultivating the vegetables we consume.

Reflection Time: As the day concluded, we gathered for a reflective session. The students eagerly shared their observations, discoveries, and the sense of accomplishment they felt. It was all penned into their main lesson books.

Day 2: Embracing Agriculture and Nature’s Wonders

Today was a day of immersion into traditional agricultural practices and a connection with nature's wonders. Here's a glimpse of the diverse activities our students were engaged in. Our day began with greeting the morning Sun, which energised the little souls to dive into the day 2’s learning.

Morning at the Cowshed:

We began with hands-on experience at the cowshed. Students enthusiastically took part in cleaning the cowshed, gaining insights into the daily care of farm animals. They learned about the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the cows. Following the cleaning activity, the children collected cow dung, a valuable resource in agriculture. The farm staff explained the significance of cow dung in making nutrient-rich compost and its role in sustainable farming practices.

Compost Making: In a dedicated area of the farm, our students learnt about compost-making. They learned the step-by-step process of converting cow dung into compost, understanding the vital role compost plays in enriching the soil and promoting plant growth.

Post breakfast, the day was filled with excitement as we embarked on a visit and witnessing the time-honoured process of peanut oil extraction using a wooden churner powered by a bull. Our students had the unique opportunity to witness the process of turning peanuts into oil using a wooden churner, a practice that has been passed down through generations. Students witnessed the rhythmic process of churning, which gradually transformed the peanuts into rich, aromatic oil.

We then travelled to the nearby dam. The students learned about the importance of water conservation, the functioning of the dam, and its role in supporting agriculture in the region. The picturesque surroundings provided a serene backdrop for discussions about the interdependence of agriculture and water.

Afternoon Exploration:

In the picturesque backdrop we had our lunch and then we proceeded to our next activity at a horse gram field. As the day unfolded, our students were introduced to traditional farming practices. They actively participated in threshing and winnowing of horse gram, gaining insights into age-old methods of separating grain from the chaff. This hands-on experience allowed them to appreciate the labour-intensive nature of traditional agriculture.

Reflection Time: As the day concluded, we gathered for a reflective session. The students eagerly shared their observations, discoveries, and the sense of accomplishment they felt. It was all penned into their main lesson books.

Day 3: Exploring the Bounty of Nature – Organic farm adventure.

Our morning began with a visit to an organic farm renowned for cultivating exotic fruits and vegetables. The students were captivated by the diverse array of plants and the riot of colors in this lush paradise. The farm staff shared their knowledge about sustainable farming practices, emphasizing the importance of organic methods for both the environment and our health.

Hands on Learning: Traditional and Modern farming equipment:

Traditional Tools: Students were introduced to an assortment of traditional farming tools, each with its specific purpose. They had the opportunity to handle tools such as the sickle, hoe, and hand Plow, gaining an appreciation for the precision and skill required in using these time-tested implements.

Modern Equipment Showcase:  Moving into the technological realm, our students explored modern farming equipment used in precision agriculture. Tractors, combine harvesters, and irrigation systems were explained.

Our students then ventured into the chia field. The sight of the vibrant green chia plants swaying in the breeze was a visual treat. Guided by the farm experts, students carefully harvested the mature chia plants, selecting those with ripe seeds ready for harvest.

Parental Involvement: A sincere thank you to Mrs. Anitha Pindi who joined us on this adventure, sharing in the joy of discovery with our children. Your involvement enhances the overall experience for our students, and we are grateful for your support.

The memories created during these three days will serve as stepping stones for future explorations and learning adventures in our classroom. I look forward to continuing this journey of discovery and growth with our children.

Sowmya Mukund (Class Teacher - Grade 03 (2023 - 24))