2024-08-23

The second-year undergraduate Botany students of Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, recently participated in a one-day skill training programme focused on organic farming and floral identification, which is part of Enjoy Learning Skills programme. A total of 28 enthusiastic students, guided by faculty members Dr. Geena George, Ms. Sindhu Rachel Joy, and Mr. Sankar P. D., took part in the programme.

The sessions were led by seasoned experts, with Mr. John Sherry, former Assistant Director of the Agriculture Farm Information Bureau, sharing his expertise on organic farming using grow bags, and Mr. Sarath Babu N. B., Nature Education Officer at TIES, guiding the students in floral identification. Mr. Sherry's session covered the principles of sustainable organic farming, potting mixture preparation, the application of Trichoderma, site preparation, grow bag filling, and mulching. Meanwhile, Mr. Sarath Babu focused on the detailed identification and classification of plant species based on their floral characteristics.

The programme included a demonstration class followed by hands-on practical sessions, which involved the preparation of potting mixtures, grow bag filling, planting, and slurry preparation. This approach not only reinforced the students' theoretical knowledge but also deepened their understanding and appreciation of botany, equipping them with valuable practical skills for their future careers. Each student was given a coir pith pot along with vegetable seeds.