Mumbai, (The Hindu): As many as 62 students of Class 10 of Nittur High School got a first-hand experience of working in the paddy fields as they planted paddy saplings in the slushy paddy fields at Kakkunje here on Tuesday.

They took up the task of planting paddy saplings on three paddy fields of about 40 cents each at Kakkunje. Though Kakkunje ward comes under Udupi City Municipal Council limits, it still has rural areas under it.

The school authorities have, for the last four years, been taking students for planting paddy saplings in the fields.

Murali Kadekar, Principal of Nittur High School, said that the objective behind this initiative was to give students an exposure to agriculture. “We do not want students to learn only from books. They should participate in extra-curricular activities. This exercise will give them an idea of agricultural activities,” he said. But it was not just planting of saplings. There was fun too as the students participated in sports activities in the slushy waters, including a running race and a tug-of-war event.

All these made it a joyful outing for the students who loved every moment of it. “I feel happy that our school authorities have brought us here to show us the field and how paddy saplings are planted. I felt delighted at plantings saplings. It is a new experience. We all like it,” said Bhagyashri, a student.