Karnataka Launches 'Gramanubhava' Initiative to Expose 2.15 Lakh Urban School Students to Rural Farm Life

The Karnataka government has approved a new educational initiative titled 'Gramanubhava' (Rural Experience Programme) to bridge the growing divide between urban students and rural agricultural life. Under this program, over 2.15 lakh students from 931 urban government, aided, and private schools and pre-university colleges across the state will participate in a mandatory two-day, one-night stay in rural villages between September and December 2026. Approved through an official government order on September 7 as part of the state Cabinet's 'First 100 Days' agenda, the ₹13.7 crore project is being implemented jointly by Samagra Shikshana Karnataka (SSK) and the School Education Department, with technical partnership from the Agriculture Department. Unlike conventional picnics or museum field trips, 'Gramanubhava' requires six to eight hours of structured, practical learning in farm environments. Students from Classes 8, 9, and 11—excluding board exam batches—will live in rural communities, interact directly with farming families, and observe agricultural activities firsthand. The curriculum covers crop cultivation, horticulture, animal husbandry, soil health management, organic waste composting, seed selection, and modern farming machinery. Additionally, visits to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and local self-help groups will expose students to post-harvest processing, packaging, and supply chain logistics. Education officials emphasize that this immersive exposure aims to cultivate empathy, environmental awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the agricultural sector among urban youth, moving education beyond traditional classroom textbooks.

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