500 ‘Kathiru’ farming clubs to be opened in Keralam schools in Phase I

The ‘Kathiru’ clubs, aimed at bringing the younger generation closer to farming, will be launched in 500 schools in Keralam in the first phase. The Agriculture department has invited entries from schoolchildren for designing the logo of the clubs. The department is also planning to open the clubs in all schools by the next academic year. ‘Kathiru’ is short for ‘Kerala Agriculture Technology Heritage and Innovation for Rural Understanding.’

The activities of the clubs will be designed to make farming practices a part of students’ life experience, and make them aware of the close links among soil, farming, food, nature and the farmer. The modalities were discussed at a meeting convened by Agriculture Minister T. Siddique and General Education Minister N. Shamsudeen on Friday.