Agrotourism for Schools by Dept. of Teacher Education, March 29, 2025

Agrotourism for Schools was organized by the Department of Teacher Education and the Department of Agriculture, Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), on March 29, 2025. The program aimed to connect schools with higher education institutions, as envisioned in NEP 2020, and promote agrotourism as a learning experience for students. It was aimed to integrate agricultural exposure into school education, fostering awareness about farming, sustainability, and hands-on learning.

The event began with the lighting of the Diya, followed by the felicitation of dignitaries. Prof. Ravi Kant, Head of the Department of Teacher Education, CUSB, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the significance of linking schools with higher education institutions. He highlighted the potential of such initiatives in enriching students’ learning experiences beyond the classroom. The invited school principals introduced themselves and shared their respective areas of work. Prof. Avinash Prakash, Head of the Department of Agriculture, CUSB, outlined the theme of connecting agriculture with tourism. He provided an overview of agricultural education in India and highlighted Bihar’s historical role in farming.

Prof. Prabhat Kumar Singh from the Department of Agriculture, CUSB, stressed the importance of making students aware of agriculture through direct experiences. He encouraged school visits to CUSB farms, stating that seeing agricultural practices firsthand strengthens understanding. He emphasized that agrotourism should familiarize students with farming, local crops, and environmental sustainability. To make these visits engaging, he invited students to participate in farm-related fun activities such as games and crafts, ensuring that learning about agriculture remains enjoyable and meaningful for students.

In his presidential address, Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor of CUSB, emphasized that universities should extend their excellence beyond campus and engage with the community. He highlighted the importance of school visits to university labs and farms to cultivate students' interest in agriculture and science. He also stressed the need to instill respect for physical labor, making agriculture a dignified profession. He shared plans for the Department of Agriculture to serve as a demonstration and training center for farmers and school students, aligning with the "land to lab and lab to land" approach. He reiterated that CUSB is committed to community engagement and knowledge dissemination.

Dr. Chandra Prabha Pandey, the convenor, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers. The event concluded with the National Anthem followed by high tea. Dr. Swati Gupta facilitated the program, and it was attended by faculty members, including Dr. Mitanjali Sahu, Dr. Rinki, Dr. Tarun Kumar Tyagi, Dr. Pragya Gupta, Dr. Nripendra Veer Singh, Dr. Samaresh Bharti, and Dr. Kishor Kumar. Students from B.Sc. Agriculture also participated. A field visit to CUSB’s agricultural farms followed, allowing participants to observe modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, and innovative agronomy methods. They explored farms, livestock areas with cows and goats, bee hives, fisheries, vegetable farms, and the grafting technique used to enhance crop yields. This hands-on experience provided school principals with insights into incorporating similar learning opportunities into school excursions and study programs.