IPOH: In a bid to instil a culture of innovation and evoke pupils’ interest in agriculture, SK Rapat Setia has initiated a padi cultivation project.

       Its headmistress Nor Hizan Abd Jalil said the project, known as EcoRice SKRS, began in June last year following comprehensive discussions involving all teachers.

       “Initially, the project area (0.006ha) was a damp and somewhat neglected site. It bothered us, so we conducted some research to see which plants are suitable for such an environment.

       “Our findings highlighted padi as among the suitable options. Subsequently, we worked together to draft a proposal to seek support from specific stakeholders to aid the school in executing this project,” she told Bernama in an interview.

       On Nov 16 last year, the EcoRice SKRS project, a module within the Skills through Design (KMR) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) programmes, was officially launched by Perak Education director Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Mahson.

       It is also the first padi cultivation project within an urban school in Malaysia.

       Nor Hizan said the initiative is fully funded by the Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation (Perak SADC), which provides various facilities such as planting boxes, padi seeds and advisory services.

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       “Their officers also visit the school frequently to monitor the project’s progress and, provide guidance on how to manage it.

       “For the initial planting phase, they (Perak SADC) will provide comprehensive assistance, from supplying seeds until the harvesting process later. After that, we will take charge of the project,” she said.

       Elaborating on the project, the headmistress said that a total of 15 padi planting boxes were set up in the area, with an estimated yield of 150kg for the first cycle.

       It is expected to enter the harvesting phase by the end of March.

       “For the initial harvest, we plan to organise a feast for school members because we want everyone to enjoy it.

       “For subsequent cycles, we might consider selling the produce to the local community to generate income for the school’s parent-teacher association,” she said.

       Nor Hizan also said that the project has many positive effects, especially in cultivating pupils’ interest in agriculture at a young age.

       “Apart from giving them the opportunity to observe the padi planting process up close, it serves as a way for them to explore new knowledge, enhance their skills in asking questions, collecting data and generating significant ideas,” she said.

       Asked about the future plans and direction of the project, she expressed hope that it will be sustained and become a pioneer for other schools to adopt a similar approach.

       Meanwhile, a pupil, Qaseh Insyirah Mohd Efendi, 11, said the project provided her with the opportunity to closely observe the growth process of the padi plant.