GANGTOK: In a major initiative, the Education Department, Government of Sikkim has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Organic Microgreens Private Limited (OMG), an award-winning AgriTech social enterprise founded by young entrepreneurs Suchith S. Sindhe and Sourabh S. Sindhe, to bring sustainable farming education to PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) Schools in the state.
This strategic partnership aligns with the transformative vision of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the green school initiatives of the PM SHRI Scheme, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a press release from the Education department informs.
Under this collaboration, six PM SHRI Schools in Sikkim will establish OMG Labs – specialized, fully equipped learning spaces where students will be trained to cultivate microgreens, nutrient-dense vegetable greens scientifically proven to be 4 to 40 times richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. These labs will serve as hubs for experiential learning, equipping students with hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, fostering nutritional awareness, and promoting environmental stewardship.
The initiative leverages the PM SHRI Schools’ modern infrastructure, such as smart classrooms and green facilities, to create a model for sustainable education that can inspire other schools across India, the release states.
The project directly supports NEP 2020’s emphasis on experiential learning, vocational skill integration, and holistic student development, while aligning with the PM SHRI Scheme’s pillars of green schools, inclusive education, and community engagement.
By integrating microgreens into school midday meals, the initiative enhances nutritional outcomes, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing). Additionally, it fosters SDG 4 (Quality Education) through innovative pedagogy and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting organic farming practices and resource efficient cultivation, such as rainwater harvesting and composting, in line with PM SHRI’s sustainability goals.
The freshly harvested microgreens will enrich the nutritional content of students’ midday meals, ensuring that academic learning is complemented by tangible health benefits. Furthermore, the OMG Labs will empower students with entrepreneurial skills by training them to package and potentially market surplus microgreens, aligning with PM SHRI’s focus on skill development and industry linkages. Initially 12 teachers from 6-PM SHRI Schools were imparted training on organic micro-greens.
As exemplary institutions, these PM SHRI Schools will serve as mentorship hubs, sharing best practices with other schools in Sikkim and beyond, fulfilling the scheme’s vision of educational leadership.
The signing of this MoU marks a significant step toward embedding sustainable farming education in Sikkim’s PM SHRI Schools, positioning them as trailblazers in implementing NEP 2020’s vision. This collaboration between the Sikkim Government and OMG sets a precedent for integrating green innovation into education, ensuring that students not only learn but also live the principles of sustainability, health, and community engagement.
As these six PM SHRI Schools lead the way, they pave the path for a nationwide movement where sustainable farming education becomes a cornerstone of India’s education system, said the Education department.
- SA Report
