In a remarkable initiative, students of Deep Griha Academy in Pune are bridging the gap between education and agriculture by using soil testing kits to help local farmers assess and enhance soil health. This hands-on learning experience is not only enriching their scientific knowledge but also making a real-world impact on their community.
A Student-Led Initiative for Farmers
In December 2024, the Academy, located in Deulgaon Gada, Morgaon Road, Daund Taluka, hosted an event where farmers from neighboring villages brought soil samples for testing. However, the scientists conducting the tests were not seasoned experts—they were students from classes seven and eight.
“Soil health is the backbone of sustainable agriculture. By equipping students with the knowledge to improve it, we take the first step towards better farming practices,” says Ashlesha Onawale, Director of Deep Griha Society, which runs the Academy.
Integrating Agriculture into Education
In 2007, Deep Griha Academy introduced agriculture as a core subject in its curriculum. The goal was to ensure that students understood agriculture’s significance—not just as an economic driver, but as a means of sustaining their communities.
“At our academy, children learn the entire farming cycle—from sowing seeds to harvesting—while also being introduced to organic farming methods,” explains Swapna Sonkambale, the school’s organic agriculture teacher.
Recognizing the challenges farmers face in accessing soil health data, the school collaborated with Proximal Soilsens, a company specializing in soil testing kits. With support from Tushar Hande of the Business Department and Dr. Rajul Patkar, co-founder of the company, the academy acquired these kits, enabling students to conduct real-time soil analysis for farmers.
Empowering Students Through Practical Learning
The initiative started as a pilot project with 15 students from class 7, who were trained in soil science fundamentals—including key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and pH balance.
Once the students mastered the theoretical concepts, they moved on to practical application. “We taught them how to collect soil samples, analyze them using the Soilsens kit, and interpret the results,” Swapna shares.
The process is simple yet effective:
- Students mix soil with specific chemical reagents.
- The solution is tested using the Nutrisens device, which connects to a smartphone.
- Data is instantly retrieved and analyzed through an agricultural app.
- Within 30-35 minutes, a detailed soil health report is generated—a stark contrast to traditional methods, which can take weeks or even months.
Bringing Science to the Fields
On December 17, 2024, the students conducted a large-scale soil testing event for 15 farmers from villages like Yavat, Supa, Kedgaon, Kasurdi, Deulgaon Gada, and Boripardhi.
When the farmers arrived, students took the lead—testing soil samples, analyzing the results, and advising farmers on soil health improvements.
“The farmers were amazed by how quickly we could generate reports and give them actionable recommendations,” says Angela Aram, the school’s Programme & Corporate Engagement Coordinator.
For instance, if a soil sample had adequate nitrogen or potassium, students advised against unnecessary fertilizer use, helping farmers save money and reduce chemical dependency. If a deficiency in organic carbon was detected, they suggested using organic manure or planting leguminous crops to naturally restore soil fertility.
Students as Change-Makers
For the students, this experience was more than just a classroom exercise—it was a transformational journey.
“I used to think soil testing was something only farmers did,” says 14-year-old Santosh Sharma. “But now, I understand its importance and feel proud that I can help farmers make better decisions for their crops.”
Similarly, 13-year-old Divya Sharma is thrilled that her newfound knowledge allows her to assist local farmers. “Before, they had to travel long distances for soil testing, but now they can do it here, saving time and money.”
Expanding the Impact
Encouraged by the success of the pilot project, Deep Griha Academy is scaling up the initiative.
“We aim to include more students from class 7 and 8 and conduct between 35 to 40 soil tests in the coming months,” says Ashlesha.
By integrating science with real-world problem-solving, the school is empowering young minds while supporting the farming community.
“This is just the beginning,” concludes Swapna. “Through education, we’re not only cultivating knowledge but also nurturing a generation that values sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility.”