What happened?
The District Education Department of Muzaffargarh has directed every government school in the area to set up small vegetable gardens on their campuses while maintaining their regular teaching schedule. School principals must identify suitable land, procure seedlings and supervise the cultivation of seasonal crops.
Why is the government pursuing this initiative?
Punjab’s education and agriculture ministries are aiming to blend practical farming skills with classroom learning, giving pupils firsthand exposure to food production and sustainability. The move is also intended to augment school‑meal programmes and raise community awareness about nutrition and healthy eating habits in a region where agriculture remains a primary livelihood.
What are the next steps for schools and students?
Principals are expected to submit garden plans to the district office within two weeks, after which the education department will provide basic inputs such as seeds and guidance manuals. Teachers will incorporate garden‑related activities into science and social studies curricula, and the harvested vegetables may be used in school kitchens or distributed to nearby families, creating a modest supply chain that reinforces the educational goals.