1) An optional agriculture class was introduced and 32 students enrolled, 20 girls and 12 boys, after being oriented to the subject by the principal and teacher. 2) The class involved hands-on practical work growing vegetables which the students found interesting in comparison to traditional classroom subjects. 3) While they did not produce large yields the first year, the experience will help them grow and produce more in the future, and they also plan to plant fruit trees.

1. Brief report on Agriculture and Food Security as an optional subject
Convincing students to join Agriculture class has been a hurdle since it was a new and
additional optional subject. But with the help of the school administration (principal) and
I convinced the students about the future perspectives of taking up this subject. We made
sure not to force the students to take up this subject but oriented them to take up the
subject solely based on their interest. After the orientation, 32 enthusiastic students came
forward to take up this subject. Out of which 20 are girls and 12 boys.
The class was smoothly carried out. The students were very happy and satisfied
for having chosen this subject as it involved practical works which made this subject
interesting. This is also because the learning takes place outside the class room unlike
other subjects which takes place within the four walls of classroom.
We grew a lot of vegetables but we couldn’t produce much. But from the
experience gained from this year’s work, the students and I will work together fruitfully
in the future to grow and produce large amount of vegetables. Apart from growing
vegetables we are also planning to plant varieties of fruit bearing plants.
Another interesting fact about this subject is the field trip. Through this trip, the
students could gain lots of experiences outside the class room learning like management
of the agricultural work, marketing of the products and the storage of the products.
Some of the challenges we faced are;
1. The students after the practical work, they had to attend the other subjects in the
class in a tired, exhuasted and untidy manner in their remaining classes.
2. The number of project works burdens the students snce they have to write project
for other subjects too.
3. The agriclture field does not have proper fencing which invies cattle thus
destroying the products.
Finally I would like to acknowledge the DAO, extension office, school administration,
SAP focal person and the students for extending their kind support and making this
programme a success.