DPS Lava arranged a field visit to CIRCOT (Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology) on Amravati road, on 28th November 2019 for the students of Grade VI. The purpose of the visit was to observe the ginning process in which cotton fibres are separated from seeds after harvesting. Children saw the various types of implements and machines (manual and automatic) used before and after ginning.
Students not only saw the different varieties of cotton-based on colour, strength, softness, and length but also learnt about the different uses of wastes produced from the cotton plant, like seeds and stalks left behind in the fields. They were surprised to know that seeds are not thrown away; instead, these are used to extract oil called cottonseed oil, which is edible. The stalks left behind in fields after harvesting are used to manufacture particleboard (used for ceilings in houses and offices), preparation of pulp and for growing edible mushrooms.
Students actually saw how scientists converted crop residue into energy. The stalks of the cotton crop are used to produce biomass fuel called pellets, a substitute for coal (white coal) that produces less pollution and is available at reasonable cost.
Dr. V. Mageshwaran, a scientist at CIRCOT, gave a presentation on cotton production, export to other countries and its journey from the field to the fashion houses. He introduced the students to Bt. Cotton and responded to all their queries related to the cotton plant. He took the sixth graders to various sections of the unit and showed the different products like pellets, animal feed, and particle boards
The staff at the ginning training centre was very helpful and ensured that the visit was informative and fruitful.
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