July 23, 2025
The Urban Futures team on 23rd July 2025 had an exciting and productive day at Silver Rest Primary School, where we conducted a hands-on agricultural learning session with our newly trained UF pupils. These learners have recently undergone training on Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Change—and their enthusiasm in the field was nothing short of inspiring.
The session began with land preparation, where pupils created planting furrows. In the absence of agricultural lime, we used ash—a sustainable, locally available alternative. Ash plays a vital role in maintaining soil health by:
1. Increasing soil pH to neutralize acidity
2. Providing essential nutrients such as potassium and calcium
3. Enhancing soil structure to support healthy plant growth
Following this, cow dung manure was applied over the ash. As an organic fertilizer, it contributes significantly to soil enrichment by:
1. Boosting microbial activity
2. Improving water retention and aeration
3. Supplying nitrogen and other key nutrients for plant development
Once the ash and manure were in place, pupils added topsoil, watered the beds thoroughly, and planted various crops.
The session also introduced them to agroforestry practices. Fruit trees—including mango, guava, and lemon—were planted, each serving as a step toward long-term food security and environmental sustainability.
This experiential learning activity gave pupils a practical understanding of climate-smart agriculture and empowered them to become future champions of sustainable farming.