THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The hands mechanically attuned to high-end contraptions have begun to sport rakes and shovels with even greater flourish in an engineering college in the district. In a unique venture of its kind, the students of the College of Engineering, Attingal, have resolved to use the hitherto unused campus land to brandish their agricultural skills.An agricultural field measuring up to five acres has already been readied for sowing on the campus.The project is being launched with a view to promote the concept of food and health security among the students. The entire field has been dug and tilled by the students and shallow trenches have been prepared for planting vegetables. The total land has been divided into separate blocks measuring 15 square metres and each block will be maintained by a student group of ten members and one staff."The mode of farming will be completely organic. The essential idea of the whole project is to produce toxic-free vegetables and supply it to the society,’’ says Saji Kumar T V, lecturer in Electronics.The farming will be focused mainly on vegetables and plantains in the beginning. Experts from Agriculture Department will be consulted in the selection of hybrid seeds from multiple varieties. Compost cattle manure and green leaves will be used for manuring.The students have also devised drip system for irrigation. The field will be surrounded by PVC water pipes with perforations through which water will seep into the field on a consistent basis.The first yield from the field will be supplied to the students of the college at a subsidy rate. The rest will be made available to the public with the help of Horticulture Mission. "One of our aims is to bridge the digital divide between the engineering students and the public. With such an initiative, students will frequently get in touch with the public. Also, even after leaving college, they can carry on with the initiative,’’ says Saji Kumar.The students have already a fund worth Rs 2 lakh for the scheme. They have been turning up in the college earlier than usual. Besides, they also spend two hours in the evening on the field. Although they have to compromise a bit on their playground, the students have no issues. "We are not at all bothered about our playground. This is going to be such an exciting endeavour,’’ they say. The project will be officially inaugurated on Thursday at 4 pm.
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