Ambalavayal (Wayanad): A class 6 student from Ambalavayal has turned her courtyard into a vegetable garden, setting a model for all youngsters. Shikha Lubna, daughter of Mankombu native Abdul Basheer and Nasriya, has been active in farming since she was in class 1. She is a student of Bathery Assumption AUP School. Shikhas garden consists of almost all major varieties of vegetables and nearly 30 types of fruits.
Chinese cauliflower, bajji chilli, carrot, beetroot, cabbage, green chilli and other vegetables grow in Shikhas garden. A different item among them is Palak spinach from Gulf which is used to enhance the taste of chicken curry. Shikha manages to find time for farming in morning and evening and on holidays. She takes the vegetables for household use and gives away the rest to neighbours.