A new Educate to Cultivate Organic (ECO) club took shape at the Government High School Medapalli, Aurad taluk, Bidar, Karnataka. The ECO club is aimed at students, to engage their interest in organic farming and stir a thirst for environmental conservation through farming. The club will engage the students in agricultural activities after school hours and also sensitise the village community about environmental protection and sustainable farming. A total of 55 students are actively involved in the club. Mr. Daniel, staff of Don Bosco Bidar led the formation of the ECO club in the school. During the inaugural function, Mr. Daniel spoke of the impact of globalisation on the environment and its effects on small-scale farmers. He also pointed out the benefits and merits of organic farming especially for the environment. Mr. Narasimha Kulakarni, Head Master of the school appreciated the students for their passion in sustainable farming and environmental issues. He also remarked that the students actively celebrated World Environment Day in the recent years and were instrumental in planting saplings in the school compound as well as in the village. The school management was happy to provide space for the cultivation of a garden and the club members were eager to plant their vegetable seedlings there. The vegetables grown in the garden would be used for the mid-day meals in the school. Master Prithvi from class 7 and Miss. Nikita were selected as the president and vice president of the eco club respectively. Mr. M.D Basheer, teacher, will animate and monitor the club activities with valuable inputs and suggestions. The club members also intend to extend their activities outside the school campus with awareness campaigns in the village.
