Angel's Farm - Ashwas Multi Category Argo Farm School

It is an ambitious project to impart training and empowerment facilities to differently abled adults towards sustainability and income generating agricultural and animal husbandry trades.

Arrowroot production

We Farm-Multi category Agro Farm School in Pullimavu engages in the cultivation and processing of arrowroot, providing a unique learning experience for its students. This community project offers a hands-on approach to agriculture, fostering essential skills and values.

Cultivation and Harvesting: Arrowroot plants are cultivated on the farm. When the plants mature and the roots are ready for harvest, students participate alongside farm staff in the harvesting process. The harvested roots are carefully extracted from the soil.

Cleaning and Preparation: The harvested arrowroot roots undergo a thorough cleaning process to remove dirt and debris. Students actively contribute to this stage, developing a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

Sieving and Milling: The cleaned roots are then processed using specialized machinery. The roots are sieved to separate the fibrous material from the starchy powder. This sieving process is crucial for obtaining high-quality arrowroot powder.

Mixing and Filtering: The sieved powder is mixed with water to create a slurry. This slurry is then filtered to remove any remaining impurities and to obtain a fine, smooth powder.

Drying: The filtered arrowroot powder is spread out on drying racks and exposed to sunlight to remove excess moisture. This drying process is essential to preserve the powder's quality and extend its shelf life.

Packaging and Distribution: Once the arrowroot powder is completely dried, it is carefully packed into various sizes of packets (200g, 400g, 500g, 800g, and 1kg). Students actively participate in the packaging process, developing their fine motor skills and attention to detail. The packaged arrowroot is then distributed through the school's Angel's Shop.

Educational Benefits: This community project offers numerous benefits to the students:
  • Skill Development: Students acquire practical skills in agriculture, including cultivation, harvesting, processing, and packaging.
  • Cognitive Development: The process of understanding and implementing each step of arrowroot production enhances cognitive abilities.
  • Social and Emotional Development: Working collaboratively with peers and mentors fosters teamwork, communication, and social skills.
  • Entrepreneurial Skills: Involvement in the packaging and distribution process instills entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen.
  • Health and Nutrition Awareness: Understanding the cultivation and processing of arrowroot promotes awareness of healthy eating habits and the importance of nutritious food.

By engaging in this hands-on experience, students develop a deep appreciation for agriculture, sustainable practices, and the value of hard work.

Mushroom Units

Mushroom cultivation presents a promising vocational avenue for individuals with disabilities. It offers a structured training program that empowers participants through hands-on experience in preparing mushroom spawn and sowing seeds. This practical approach enhances confidence, motor skills, and cognitive abilities.

The therapeutic nature of mushroom cultivation, characterized by repetitive and calming tasks, can alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Engaging with various textures, scents, and visual stimuli can benefit individuals with sensory processing disorders. Additionally, understanding mushroom life cycles and environmental factors can foster scientific knowledge and critical thinking.

By mastering cultivation techniques, participants can achieve a sense of accomplishment and independence. Group sessions further promote social interaction, teamwork, and communication skills. This training program not only equips individuals with vocational skills but also opens doors to potential employment opportunities or entrepreneurial ventures.

The adaptability of mushroom cultivation allows for the inclusion of individuals with diverse abilities, making it an accessible and inclusive activity. Moreover, growing mushrooms can provide a healthy and nutritious food source, encouraging healthy eating habits.

In conclusion, this training program offers a multifaceted approach to empowering individuals with disabilities. It provides a sense of purpose, fosters social connections, promotes environmental sustainability, and offers potential economic benefits through mushroom cultivation and sales.

Garden Setting

A serene and peaceful environment that brings people closer to nature. Here elderly people and students can spend some time with nature which help them to release all the stress they have and giving a peace of mind. A garden-setting helps in the following: -

  • Provide a calming atmosphere: Reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Offer a space for recreation: Relaxation and entertainment.
  • Support physical activity: Activities like walking or gardening.
  • Foster social connections: Outdoor gatherings or community gardening.
  • Enhance mental well-being: Promoting mindfulness and connection with nature.

Here there are various types of garden setting designed for the students and elderly people which are-

  • Floral gardens, featuring vibrant flowers and plants.
  • Vegetable gardens, for growing fresh produce.
  • Herb gardens, with fragrant and medicinal herbs.
  • Native plant gardens, showcasing local flora.
  • Children’s garden with interactive and educational features.
Jack fruit processing

By providing training in jackfruit processing, we can promote inclusivity, empowerment, and economic growth for differently abled individuals. Here workers cut the jackfruit into pieces and give it to the trainees. Trainees then separate the bulb, seeds, and rags from the core. After that, the bulb is chopped and weighted and packed and is set to be sold through our Angels Shop outlet.

Students help and learn Jackfruit processing

Differently-abled individuals can significantly benefit from jackfruit processing training. This can lead to increased employment opportunities in the food processing industry, providing financial independence and social integration. The skills acquired can facilitate the establishment of entrepreneurial ventures, promoting self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

Moreover, the physical nature of jackfruit processing, involving tasks like sorting, cutting, and packaging, can enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The cognitive demands of the process, including decision-making and problem-solving, can improve cognitive function.

The adaptability of jackfruit processing training allows for the inclusion of individuals with diverse abilities. By providing accessible training and support, it can boost self-confidence and empower individuals to overcome challenges. Additionally, the growing demand for jackfruit products creates a promising market for skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

In conclusion, jackfruit processing training offers a multifaceted approach to empowering differently-abled individuals. It provides a pathway for economic independence, social inclusion, and personal development, making it a valuable tool for promoting equality and opportunity.

Aquaponics

Aquaponics offers a novel approach to food production by merging aquaculture (raising aquatic life) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil). This closed-loop system fosters a symbiotic relationship:

  • Fish waste (ammonia) is converted by beneficial bacteria into plant-usable nutrients (nitrates and phosphates).
  • Plants absorb these nutrients through their roots, filtering and purifying the water.
  • Cleansed water then returns to the fish tank, completing the cycle.

Key benefits of aquaponics include:

  • Water conservation: Up to 90% less water compared to traditional methods.
  • Increased yields: Plants experience faster growth (up to 30%) due to readily available nutrients.
  • Reduced land use: Space-efficient, vertical systems allow for higher production in smaller areas.
  • Year-round production: Controlled environments enable consistent harvests regardless of season.
  • Minimized chemicals: Natural nutrient cycling eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.

System components:

  • Fish tank: Houses aquatic animals like tilapia or trout.
  • Biofilter: Converts ammonia into beneficial nitrates using bacteria.
  • Hydroponic unit: Where plants grow in water, absorbing nutrients.
  • Water pump: Circulates water throughout the system.
  • Aeration: Provides oxygen for fish and plant respiration.

Monitoring parameters are crucial for success:

  • pH levels
  • Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate concentrations
  • Water temperature
  • Oxygen availability

Suitable crops: Leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and strawberries.

Benefits for differently-abled children and schools:

  • Therapeutic effects: Sensory integration, motor skill development, and emotional regulation.
  • Educational value: Hands-on learning in science, math, and STEM fields, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • School integration: Curriculum alignment, project-based learning, and community engagement.
Fish

We Farm's 10 ponds cultivate species like ciopie, gaurami, nutter etc. Aquaculture offers significant potential for individuals with disabilities through:

Skill Development:

  • Management: Decision-making, resource allocation, and operational planning.
  • Husbandry: Feed formulation, water quality management, and disease prevention.

Therapeutic Benefits:

  • Mental Health: Reduced stress and anxiety through interaction with aquatic environments.
  • Physical Health: Improved motor skills and sensory experiences.

Economic Empowerment:

  • Job Creation: Tailored employment opportunities in various aquaculture roles.
  • Income Generation: Financial independence and community contributions.

Accessibility and Adaptability:

  • Aquaponics: Reduced physical labor and automated systems.
  • Backyard Ponds: Simple management and customization.
  • Indoor Tanks: Controlled environments for individuals with mobility limitations.

By implementing inclusive practices and adaptive technologies, aquaculture can provide a meaningful and sustainable livelihood for individuals with disabilities, promoting social integration and economic empowerment.

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