Fostering sustainable agriculture practices

 Malabar Training College's Green Malabar Initiative: Fostering Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Malabar Training College, Peravoor, affiliated to Kannur University and approved by NCTE, New Delhi, embarked on an innovative initiative to promote sustainable agriculture practices among its students. The Green Malabar Initiative, inaugurated by Principal Indu K Mathew, aimed to cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility and self-sufficiency.

Six departments of the college were allocated separate areas for cultivation, and students from each department worked tirelessly to ensure the successful growth of various crops. The departments were encouraged to give unique names to their agricultural spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. The names of the gardens reflected the creativity and individuality of each department: Natural Science - Naturals, Maths - Zeta, Physical Science - Wholsthorp Garden, English - Eves Valley, Social Science - Grevelia, and Malayalam - Kedaram

The initiative sparked a healthy competition among students, with each department striving to outdo the others in terms of crop variety, yield, and overall agricultural excellence. Principal Indu K Mathew announced a cash prize for the winning departments, with the criteria for evaluation being the quality of cultivation, harvesting, and the variety of crops grown. The prizes were substantial, with the first prize being ₹5001, the second prize ₹3001, and the third prize ₹1001.

The Green Malabar Initiative not only promoted sustainable agriculture practices but also instilled valuable life skills in the students, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. The initiative also highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and the need to adopt eco-friendly practices in daily life.

As the students tended to their gardens, they gained hands-on experience in agricultural practices, such as soil preparation, irrigation, and pest management. The initiative also encouraged students to explore the medicinal and nutritional properties of various crops, promoting a holistic understanding of agriculture and its benefits.

The Green Malabar Initiative is a shining example of Malabar Training College's commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility. By encouraging students to take an active role in agricultural practices, the college is empowering the next generation of leaders to make a positive impact on the environment.