Assam: Boko school students turn to scientific mushroom farming, set example in skill-based education

Students of Bondapara Anchalik (Regional) Higher Secondary School in Assam’s Boko have taken to scientific mushroom cultivation under the state government’s vocational education programme, translating classroom learning into sustainable livelihood practices.

Under the Samagra Shiksha Assam initiative, vocational education aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) has been integrated at the secondary level across government schools. As part of this programme, Class IX students of Bondapara Anchalik (Regional) Higher Secondary School have chosen agriculture as an elective subject and begun hands-on training in mushroom farming using scientific methods.

A total of 30 Class IX students have opted for agriculture, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure aimed at promoting self-sufficiency from an early age. According to agriculture skill trainer Jyotishka Bhuyan, students have shown remarkable enthusiasm for the subject, with several already initiating mushroom cultivation at their homes.

The programme has expanded across classes, with 40 students from Class X and 30 from Class IX actively involved in mushroom farming, vermicomposting, and seasonal vegetable cultivation. These activities are conducted using modern scientific techniques, offering students both experiential learning and modest financial returns.

The vocational curriculum mandates equal emphasis on theory and practice, carrying 50 marks each, and students must qualify in both components, ensuring a robust assessment of skill development alongside academic learning.

The success of the programme has also brought recognition to the school’s faculty. Jyotishka Bhuyan was recently honoured as Skill Trainer of the Year 2025 by Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu for her outstanding contribution to vocational education in the Agriculture Trade stream. The award was conferred by Down Town Charity Trust, the training and management partner of Samagra Shiksha Assam.

The initiative stands as a model for integrating education with employable skills, reinforcing the state’s focus on empowering students through practical, livelihood-oriented learning.