The students of standards 9 and 10 of Don Bosco Farm High School, Sulcorna- Goa, took part in a practical paddy transplantation activity as part of the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) programme. The initiative was organised to provide students with hands-on exposure to one of the most important agricultural practices, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-life experience.



Under the guidance of their teachers and experienced farm personnel, the students entered the paddy fields and actively participated in the transplantation of young rice seedlings. Before beginning the activity, they were introduced to the various stages of paddy cultivation, including land preparation, seedling selection, transplantation techniques, water management, and the care required for a successful harvest. They then put this knowledge into practice by carefully planting the seedlings in neat rows under the supervision of their instructors.



The experience enabled students to appreciate the skill, patience, and physical effort involved in rice cultivation. Many of them expressed admiration for the hard work of farmers and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in producing one of the state’s staple food crops. For many of them, this was their first ever experience in the field and it was heartening to see them knee-deep in muddy water plucking and planting the rice stalks.



The NSQF programme aims at equipping students with practical vocational skills alongside their academic education. Such experiential learning activities help develop confidence, teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic while fostering respect for agriculture and rural livelihoods. The paddy transplantation session proved to be both educational and enjoyable, leaving students with valuable life skills and a renewed appreciation for the vital role of farmers in ensuring food security.