𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑨𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆

By Kezang Choden

Samtengang Central School in Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, is equipping students with hands-on knowledge of hydroponics. It is a soil-free farming technique designed to cultivate plants in nutrient-rich water. The school’s teachers aim to expand students’ understanding of sustainable agriculture, preparing them for potential careers in farming while addressing nation’s future food security challenges.

Hydroponics, which eliminates the need for soil by allowing plants to grow in controlled environments, is especially beneficial for regions like Bhutan, where arable land is limited. The school has incorporated practical training sessions and excursions to give students an up-close look at the possibilities that hydroponics can offer. This initiative, driven by teachers with a vision for sustainability and resilience, presents an opportunity for students to gain valuable skills in innovative farming, a field gaining prominence globally.

At the forefront of this effort is a dedicated team of teachers who see the importance of bridging traditional education with real-world applications. Through hands-on training, students learn to set up hydroponic systems, monitor plant growth, and understand the environmental and economic benefits of this farming method. For the students, these lessons offer more than just academic value; they provide practical skills that could inspire entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural sector.

Kinley Wangmo, the founder of Bhutan Hydroponics, recently conducted a workshop for students, sharing her expertise and experiences in hydroponics farming. Kinley, a strong advocate for eco-friendly agricultural methods, emphasized that hydroponics could address Bhutan’s reliance on imported produce by promoting local food production. “Hydroponics offers a sustainable solution for import substitution, allowing us to produce a diverse range of crops domestically,” she said. She further claimed that the ability to control environmental factors in hydroponic farming makes it a valuable tool in combating climate change and supporting food security. “Global warming is impacting traditional farming practices,” she added. “Hydroponics, however, allows year-round production and uses 95percent less water, making it a highly efficient system.”

Kinley expressed optimism about the potential impact of teaching hydroponics to young people. “I’m encouraged to see such interest in sustainable agriculture among the youth,” she said, adding that this knowledge could be vital in helping Bhutan adapt to shifting agricultural landscapes.

Pema Lhaden, a Business and Entrepreneurship teacher at Samtengang School, leads the hydroponics program with enthusiasm and vision. She believes the lessons extend beyond agriculture; they foster independence and encourage innovative thinking in students. “Hydroponics presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications,” Pema said. Inspired by hydroponics’ benefits, Pema envisioned integrating it into the school’s curriculum to provide students with an in-depth understanding of sustainable farming.

According to Pema, the objectives of the program include teaching students about hydroponic systems, analyzing the environmental impact and sustainability of such systems, and exploring their commercial potential. “Through this project, we aim to show students that agriculture can be innovative and inspiring,” she explained. “By learning the principles and practices of hydroponics, students can gain the skills needed to make meaningful contributions to Bhutan’s agricultural sector.”

With hands-on involvement, students participate in every aspect of the hydroponics setup, from installing the equipment to nurturing the plants. This immersive experience fosters technical skills and confidence, equipping students with tools that may shape their careers. “With determination and hard work, anything is possible,” Pema encouraged her students, hoping to instill resilience and a proactive mindset in the next generation of farmers.

The students have responded enthusiastically to the hydroponics training, seeing it as an opportunity to learn and innovate. Lhaka Dub, a Class 12 student, shared his newfound appreciation for this advanced farming technique, which he believes could transform Bhutan’s agriculture. “Hydroponics is unique and incredibly relevant to our country’s future,” Lhaka remarked. “As our nation develops, agricultural land may become limited, but hydroponics allows us to grow crops using minimal space and resources.”

For Lhaka, the training has not only broadened his understanding of agriculture but also inspired him to consider hydroponics as a pathway to entrepreneurship. He envisions hydroponics as a way for Bhutan’s youth to contribute to food security and reduce dependency on imported goods. The prospect of growing crops in a controlled, water-efficient manner, he noted, could empower young Bhutanese to build sustainable farming businesses and create lasting impact within their communities.

Phuntsho Choden, another Class 12 student, echoed Lhaka’s enthusiasm. She expressed gratitude for the practical experience and training in hydroponics, which has sparked her interest in sustainable agriculture. “Hydroponics farming is truly fascinating,” Phuntsho said. “This method has made me realize that farming can be innovative and promising.”

For Phuntsho, the training has shifted her perception of agriculture as a viable career option. She believes that exposure to modern agricultural practices can encourage more young people to pursue entrepreneurship in farming. “This kind of training is essential for the youth as it equips us with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful agripreneurs,” she said, envisioning a future where more Bhutanese contribute to the country’s self-sufficiency in food production.

The hydroponics initiative at Samtengang Central School is a timely and forward-thinking approach to agricultural education, one that aligns with Bhutan’s sustainability goals. By introducing students to a cutting-edge farming method, the school hopes to inspire a new generation of farmers and agripreneurs who are prepared to face the challenges of a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

As Kinley Wangmo highlighted, hydroponics has the potential to address some of Bhutan’s food security issues, especially in light of climate change and limited arable land. The students’ enthusiasm and engagement in the program signal a bright future for Bhutan’s agricultural sector, with youth who are eager to innovate and contribute to a resilient and self-sufficient food system.

In a country where traditional agriculture remains central to daily life, the introduction of hydroponics marks a transformative shift in thinking. With support from educators like Pema and experts like Kinley, Bhutan’s youth are gaining the skills and confidence needed to explore sustainable farming methods that promise to reshape the nation’s agricultural landscape.