Learning Organic Farming at School

I feel proud to be a student at EBPP Darmaji, where we have the chance to learn organic farming twice a week. Before these lessons, I only knew how to dig the soil and use manure in my parents’ garden. But now, I’ve discovered so many new skills that truly change the way I see farming.

Our journey began with a visit to EBPP Manikaji School, where students had already produced healthy vegetables. There, we practiced making terraces, organic compost, and measuring land slopes with a bamboo A-frame. Back at Darmaji, we started developing our own school garden. At first, digging was very tiring and made our bodies ache, but with guidance from EBPP staff, we learned the right techniques and kept our spirits high.

We built water channels to collect rain water, and keep the soil moist. Then, we created organic fertilizer from dry leaves, green leaves, and manure. Finally, we planted tomatoes, chilies, lettuce, eggplants, onions, and even flowers like marigold and senia. We also planted Vetiver grass to prevent erosion and strengthen the soil.

Harvest time was exciting! Some vegetables grew big and fresh, others small—but every result taught us something. I’ve even started practicing at my own garden, and I can’t wait for the rainy season to plant more. For me, this is just the beginning of a better future through organic farming. 

By: Lisa, Grade 11, EBPP Darmaji School