As part of their educational field trip, the Grade 8 students of Sri Prakash Vidya Niketan, Tuni, visited a traditional sugarcane farm and jaggery-making unit in Srirampuram village. The visit provided them with an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-life agricultural practices.
The students had the privilege of meeting Sri N. Raju Garu, an experienced and dedicated farmer known for his expertise in organic and sustainable farming. He explained how he cultivates sugarcane using natural manure and traditional methods, without harmful chemical pesticides.
A remarkable feature of his farm is his approach to zero waste. Cow urine, cow dung, crushed sugarcane waste and other farm residues are put to purposeful use as natural manure, pesticides and other farming inputs. He also prepares his own natural pesticides, demonstrating how locally available resources can be effectively used in agriculture.
Unlike seasonal cultivation, sugarcane is grown throughout the year on his farm through the use of natural manure and traditional farming techniques. In recognition of his dedication and contribution to agriculture, Sri N. Raju Garu was honoured with the “Uttama Raithu” (Best Farmer) award by RARS.
The students also observed the traditional process of making jaggery—from crushing sugarcane and extracting its juice to filtering, boiling and processing it into jaggery. The experience helped them appreciate the hard work, skill and traditional knowledge involved in food production.
The field trip was an enriching learning experience that highlighted the importance of organic farming, sustainable agriculture, waste management and respect for farmers. Sri N. Raju's farm truly demonstrated that when nature's resources are used wisely, nothing is wasted and farming can be both productive and sustainable.
