To help students connect with farming and nature, Eloor municipality along with agriculture department on Tuesday organised a ‘feel the field’ programme. As part of the initiative, students from Buds Special School for Mentally Challenged, Eloor, were taken to nearby paddy fields.The initiative aims to provide children with hands-on exposure to agriculture and rural life, helping them better understand the environment and learn how food crops are produced. The visit included interactive activities such as observing paddy cultivation and learning about various tools and methods used in farming.

Speaking to TOI, headmistress Baby John said the trip offered a rare and valuable learning experience. “It was a unique opportunity for students to understand lessons related to agriculture. Many of these children have learning difficulties, so we focus on practical and sensory-based teaching methods that help them remember and relate to what they see,” she said.

John added that while most students participated enthusiastically, a few who use wheelchairs could not be part of the field visit due to the narrow roads.

Municipality chairperson A D Sujil said the programme helps children go beyond classrooms to acquire knowledge. “Programmes like these help children, especially those with learning difficulties, to learn through experience and connect deeply with nature,” Sujil said, adding that the municipality plans to organise similar field-based learning activities in the future also.

Agriculture official Angela Cyriac said the pilot initiative was a refreshing experience for students, as walking through the paddy fields had a positive and energizing effect on them. “The initiative will be extended to more educational institutions in Eloor,” said Cyriac.