CISSA – Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action

Kerala School Agri Fest (K-SAF)

Cultivating the Future: Students in the Soil of Sustainability

The Kerala School Agri Fest (K-SAF) is a flagship youth programme initiated by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) to nurture a culture of agriculture, biodiversity awareness, and environmental stewardship among school students.

Launched in 2011, K-SAF has become a unique platform that combines experiential learning with scientific knowledge and traditional wisdom. It encourages students to reconnect with the land, understand the science behind sustainable agriculture, and explore farming as a noble and creative pursuit.

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Programes

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Objectives of K-SAF

Instill a love for farming and food production among school children
Foster awareness about sustainable agriculture, agro-biodiversity, and climate resilience
Provide hands-on experiences in farming, soil care, and seed saving
Bridge the gap between textbook learning and field realities
Cultivate future green leaders, scientists, and agri-innovators

Educational & Experiential Design

K-SAF is designed as a multi-dimensional event combining

Live farm demonstrations
Interactive workshops on soil health, composting, and seed biodiversity
Quiz, painting, photography & essay competitions themed on agriculture and biodiversity
Exhibitions of organic produce, student-grown crops, and eco-projects
Lectures and motivational talks by scientists, organic farmers, and educators
Student Agri Science Projects showcasing innovations in school-level agriculture

Who Participates?

School children (classes 5 to 12) from across Kerala

Agriculture teachers and school eco-club coordinators

Scientists, agricultural officers, organic farmers, and environment activists

Local governing bodies and educational institutions

Each edition of K-SAF witnesses the participation of more than 3,000 school students, making it one of the largest school-level agricultural learning platforms in India.

Highlights of Past Editions

K-SAF 2011

Launched with the theme “Let’s Learn from the Soil”, introducing practical agriculture in classrooms.

K-SAF 2013

Focused on “Agri Biodiversity and Climate Change”, linking curriculum to UN-SDGs.

K-SAF 2016

Introduced Low Carbon Farming for Youth, incorporating energy and resource efficiency.

K-SAF 2019

Celebrated International Year of Indigenous Languages by showcasing native crop names and food terms.

K-SAF 2022

Conducted with a special theme on Agro-Ecology and Youth Innovation post-pandemic.

Awards & Recognition

K-SAF was awarded the Okayama ESD International Award, Japan, for its impactful model of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

Cited by the United Nations University as a model grassroots programme for youth environmental engagement.

Featured in national media and education policy dialogues as a best practice in climate-resilient education.

Impact

Inspired hundreds of schools to create food gardens and herbal plots

Motivated students to pursue studies in agriculture, environmental science, and sustainability

Supported teacher training and curriculum enrichment with agri-based learning

Created a network of “Campus Leaders for Sustainable Development” from school and college levels

K-SAF is More Than a Festival

It is a movement of young minds, cultivating knowledge, pride, and responsibility towards soil, seeds, food, and farmers.

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