A farm in the backyard

Hard as this is to imagine, it's true! The Spicer Memorial College in Aundh boasts of 25 acres of sprawling agricultural land within its ...

Hard as this is to imagine, it8217;s true! The Spicer Memorial College in Aundh boasts of 25 acres of sprawling agricultural land within its campus. Behind the main edifice, a winding kaccha road weaves its way to the in-house farm. The air smells healthy, fresh and a mild breeze blows through the banana groves and open fields.

It comes as a pleasant surprise to find the decongested, unpolluted and almost idyllic spot within the city limits, with the Mula river flowing serenely toward the end of the farm. The farm superintendent, Benny Prasad, is grateful for this 8220;God-given gift8221; because he need not worry too much about water.

The farm has been sub-divided, and in most fields, profitable crops have been planted 8211; wheat, sugarcane, sunflower, soya bean and fresh vegetables. Says Prasad, 8220;The soya crop, for instance, is processed for soya milk, and the residue is used to make tofu and soya powder. This is then retailed at the Spicer College outlet in Wonderland on M.G. Road. Wheat from the farm is used to make bran and wheat-bread.8221;

Whatever grows on the farm is either retailed at fixed centres or finds its way to the campus kitchens. The campus holds more than 2,000 students and most of the farm produce is used in the hostelries. Wheat makes for the staple diet as do the farm-fresh vegetables.

The farm is known for the exotic vegetables it produces. Broccoli, Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, celery, lettuce, icebergers, kohlrabi are some names which health-food buffs will recognise instantly. Besides this, ladyfinger, brinjal, tomato, spinach and radish also occupy pride of place.

The Spicer College promotes self-sufficiency in more ways than one. The farm is looked after by the students of the college. Explains Prasad, 8220;The college has a scheme whereby students can work and pay their fees and most students are engaged in some enterprise or the other at the campus.8221;

This facility is beneficial for low-income-group students, who can earn and learn. Donald, a student from Bihar spends time repairing the motor of the pump, which was gifted by the Kirloskars 30 years ago, and Prasad is pushing for a replacement. Besides the students, there are some farm hands too, 8220;but since the farm is located within the city, getting labour is a problem,8221; says Prasad.

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In the coming months, Prasad plans to plant teak and sell the wood that is much in demand. Before the monsoons, capsicum, tapioca and other greens will be planted to reap maximum benefit. 8220;But the watermelon crop failed this year because of the ancient pump, though the banana crop is doing well,8221; he says.

The problems apart, the farm stands as a symbol for self-sufficient education more than as a mere agricultural venture earmarked for the college8217;s consumption. And, it is a valuable environmentally-friendly pocket within the city.