Hyderabad: Kitchen garden-based learning takes roots

Hyderabad: In order to introduce and execute a comprehensive edible garden-based learning in schools, the Hyderabad based start-up 'Homecrop' has took up an initiative called 'Schoolcrop.'

The brainchild of Krishna Reddy and Manvitha Reddy was supported by Sai Krishna, Sharmila Reddy, Ajay Beerla, Vineeth and Venkat. In 2019, the group started the Schoolcrop.

However, they soon realised that farming as an activity on roof-tops and balconies, was confined to those who were enthusiastic and have sufficient time to commit themselves for the job. At that moment, it dawned on him on the possibilities of taking up garden-based learning at schools. They use innovative subscription model techniques in which the cost incurred is Rs 150 per session.

Speaking to THI, Krishna Reddy, co-founder of 'Homecrop' and 'Schoolcrop' said, "The students of the present generation have isolated themselves from the knowledge about the nature and the environment, as they are more interested in e-gadgets. To make the students learn about the nature, environment and crops, we have started the 'schoolcrop' in more than 8 schools in the city. What we offer schools is setting up gardens and grown by children. In the process, they learn their subject concepts."

Pointing out that 'nature-deficit disorder' is a reality today, Krishna Reddy said that farming not only helps children associate with the nature but also inculcate in them patience, care, persistence, and perseverance. Though the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had issued a notification directing schools to have a nutrition-kitchen garden, it is still a far-fetched dream for several reasons.

The students of Class 6 and 7 set up an edible garden with spinach, coriander, carrot, radish, chilli, brinjal, ladies finger, and tomatoes over the last year successfully. Krishna, who believes the initiative would revolutionise the urban farming culture, said that it was an experiment and they did not know if it would appeal to schools or excite the students. The first trial of this learning was done at Delhi Public School, Khajaguda.

The team uses geotextile grown bags and grow beds that are imported from Israel for soil-less farming.

"From planning their garden inside the classroom to execute the same outside, children did everything on their own. We focused primarily on Mathematics like square root and volume at DPS. But the possibilities of expanding it further to social studies, science, music, languages, health and physical education are available," adds Krishna.

We taught the students Mathematics by making use of school garden to explain concepts and helped children grow beds. Concepts such as volume, square root were easily taught. From planning their garden inside the classroom to execute the same outside, children did everything on their own

- Krishna Reddy, co-founder, Schoolcrop