Tripura schools are embracing kitchen gardens to boost student nutrition, hands-on learning, and eco-friendly practices. Backed by the government, these gardens supply fresh produce for Mid-Day Meals, promote self-reliance, and instill environmental values, setting a holistic model for sustainable school-based development and community engagement.
Education in Tripura is undergoing a green transformation as schools and madrasas across the state actively embrace kitchen gardens to combine nutrition, sustainability, and hands-on learning. The initiative, driven by the Elementary Education Department and supported by the Union Ministry of Education, aims to cultivate healthier, self-reliant, and environmentally conscious students while supplementing the Mid-Day Meal programme with fresh, homegrown produce.
On Monday, Manoj Roy, the state-appointed advisor for school and madrasa kitchen gardens, inspected five schools under the Roysarbari School Inspector. He was accompanied by retired teacher Abdul Haque and social worker Parikshit Dey. The visit covered Roysarbari Higher Secondary School, Girish Chandra Karbari Para Higher Secondary School, Boalkhali High School, Dayaram Kami Higher Secondary School, and No. 8 Dyke High School.
During the inspection, students and teachers received saplings of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Roy encouraged school authorities to promote vegetable cultivation during the upcoming growing season and directed headmasters to ensure that harvested produce is integrated into school meals. “The kitchen garden programme not only supplies fresh vegetables for Mid-Day Meals but also promotes a green, eco-friendly environment on campus,” Roy emphasized.
Government Backing for Kitchen Gardens
The Union Ministry of Education has instructed state education departments across India to establish kitchen gardens in schools, recognizing their potential to nurture eco-friendly habits among young learners. Tripura has emerged as an active participant, with schools and madrasas transforming unused spaces into vibrant green patches that serve as both educational tools and food sources.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, while inaugurating a school auditorium recently, also underscored the importance of kitchen gardens. He called them “an essential part of education” that bridges classroom learning with real-life practices. According to him, the initiative will not only enhance the Mid-Day Meal scheme with fresh, chemical-free vegetables but also instill self-reliance and environmental awareness among students.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The kitchen garden project is more than a nutrition programme—it is a practical learning model. Students actively participate in planting, watering, and maintaining the gardens, gaining insights into farming techniques, seasonal cycles, and sustainable living. Teachers highlight that the initiative blends agricultural education with science lessons, encouraging curiosity and creativity.
Social workers and retired educators like Abdul Haque and Parikshit Dey are also lending support, ensuring the project integrates smoothly into school life. Their involvement reflects a broader community approach, reinforcing the idea that sustainable practices begin at the grassroots level.
Nutrition, Environment, and Self-Reliance
The harvested vegetables from these gardens will be used in the Mid-Day Meal scheme, directly benefiting students with fresh, organic, and nutritious food. This not only improves children’s health but also reduces dependency on external suppliers. Officials believe the initiative helps address nutritional deficiencies while teaching children to value food, farming, and the environment.
Furthermore, schools with thriving gardens are setting an example for the wider community. Parents and local residents are being encouraged to replicate these small-scale gardens at home, thereby extending the benefits beyond educational institutions.
A Holistic Model for School-Based Development
By merging farming, nutrition, and learning, Tripura’s kitchen garden initiative is emerging as a holistic development model. It nurtures the values of self-sufficiency, teamwork, and eco-consciousness while ensuring that children receive balanced meals.
The programme reflects a forward-looking approach to education where textbooks are not the only source of knowledge. Instead, students are provided with opportunities to learn directly from the soil—experiences that shape healthier habits, deeper respect for nature, and a stronger sense of responsibility toward the environment.
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As Manoj Roy highlighted during his inspection, the gardens symbolize “green classrooms” where children grow both food and values. With strong government backing, community participation, and school-level dedication, the initiative is steadily transforming education in Tripura into a model that balances academic learning with practical life skills.
