Ernakulam KVK to Train ATAL Tinkering Lab Students for Agri-entrepreneurship

Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has been assigned by Niti Ayog to guide ATAL Tinkering Lab students towards nurturing innovation and fostering a culture of Agri-entrepreneurship among school students.

ATAL Tinkering Labs are established by Atal Innovation Mission under Niti Ayog in selected schools across the country with a vision to ‘Cultivate one Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators”. The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young minds. The KVK- ATAL Tinkering Lab collaboration is instituted by Niti Ayog in 11 selected districts of the country on a pilot scale, Ernakulam is the one selected from Bengaluru Zone.

There are 7 schools in Ernakulam viz., The Choice School, Tripunithura, St. Peter's Senior Secondary School, Kadayiruppu, Kendriya Vidyalaya, NAD, Aluva, Bhavan's Vidya Mandir, Girinagar, St. George's HSS, Puthenpally, Vidyodaya school, Thevakkal, St Augustines HSS, Kaloor, where the ATAL Tinkering Labs are established.

An induction Programme was conducted for the students on November 21, 2023, at CMFRI, Kochi. Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, Director, CMFRI interacted with the students and KVK experts and presented the scope of innovation in the fields of Agriculture, Animal husbandry, and Fisheries. The program witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 100 ATAL Tinkering Lab students and in-charge Teachers. The Induction Programme sets the stage for ongoing collaboration between ATAL Tinkering Lab and KVK, with plans for workshops, mentorship programs, and innovation challenges that will further enhance the student’s understanding and application of Agri-innovation

"We believe that fostering a spirit of innovation among young minds is crucial for the sustainable development of Agriculture. This collaboration between ATAL Tinkering Lab and KVK is a step towards empowering the next generation of Agri-entrepreneurs," said Dr.Shinoj Subramannian, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK Ernakulam.