Report on Visit to Bonbithika Nursery Jagduar , Teok

Organized by the Department of Sociology, CKB College, Teok
Date: 20^th  February 2025

Introduction

The Department of Sociology, CKB College, Teok, organized an industrial visit to Jagduar Nursery on 17th February 2025. The primary objective of this visit was to provide students with practical exposure to the functioning of a nursery and its role in sustainable livelihoods. The visit aimed to enhance students' understanding of plant nurseries as small-scale industries and their significance in socio-economic development.

Objectives of the Visit

1. To understand the functioning and management of a plant nursery.
2. To analyze the socio-economic impact of the nursery on the local community.
3. To explore the employment opportunities generated by the nursery industry.
4. To study the role of nurseries in environmental sustainability.

Details of the Visit

A group of students from the Department of Sociology, accompanied by faculty members, visited Jagduar Nursery, located in the Jorhat district of Assam. The visit commenced at 10:00 AM with a guided tour by the nursery manager, who explained the different sections of the nursery, including plant propagation, seedling development, and sales management.

The students observed various types of plants, including ornamental plants, medicinal herbs, fruit-bearing trees, and timber species. The nursery staff explained the techniques of grafting, layering, and tissue culture used for plant propagation. They also highlighted the economic benefits of running a nursery and the challenges faced in the industry, such as climate dependency, market fluctuations, and pest control.

Findings and Observations

1. Economic Contribution: The nursery provides employment to local workers, especially women, contributing to rural livelihood generation.
2. Sustainable Practices: Organic methods and eco-friendly packaging are used to promote environmental sustainability.
3. Market Demand: There is a growing demand for nursery plants due to urbanization, afforestation projects, and increasing interest in gardening.
4. Challenges: Limited access to high-quality seeds, seasonal variations, and competition from large-scale commercial nurseries pose challenges to the growth of small nurseries.

Outcome of the Program

The industrial visit to Jagduar Nursery on 17th February 2025, organized by the Department of Sociology, CKB College, Teok, had several significant outcomes:

1. Practical Learning Experience

• Students gained firsthand knowledge of the functioning and management of a plant nursery.
• They observed various plant propagation techniques such as grafting, layering, and tissue culture.

2. Understanding Socio-Economic Impact

• The visit highlighted the nursery's role in employment generation, especially for local women and small-scale farmers.
• Students learned about the economic challenges and opportunities in the nursery industry.

3. Awareness of Sustainable Practices

• The nursery's use of organic methods and eco-friendly techniques helped students understand the importance of sustainability in agriculture.
• They learned how nurseries contribute to afforestation and environmental conservation.

4. Exposure to Entrepreneurial Opportunities

• Students were introduced to business aspects of nursery management, including market demand, sales strategies, and challenges.
• The visit inspired some students to consider entrepreneurship in horticulture and nursery business.

5. Enhancement of Research and Analytical Skills

• The visit encouraged students to conduct field-based research on rural industries and their impact on local communities.
• They developed critical thinking and analytical skills by engaging in discussions with nursery staff and managers.

6. Bridging Theory and Practice

• The visit connected classroom learning with real-world applications, particularly in rural development, sustainable agriculture, and economic sociology.

Conclusion

The  visit to Jagduar Nursery was a valuable learning experience for the students. It provided insights into the socio-economic aspects of plant nurseries and their role in sustainable development. The visit enhanced students' understanding of the practical applications of their sociological studies, particularly in rural development, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability. Such industrial visits should be encouraged to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practices.