Ludhiana: Farmers indulge in educational snakes & ladders game

A giant snakes and ladders board game, the mini version of which we all remember from our childhoods, was among the key attractions at the Pashu Palan Mela at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, albeit with a twist.

The College of Dairy Science transformed snakes and ladders into an awareness board meant for educating farmers.

Farmers, curious to roll the dice and test their knowledge, gathered around the giant board with enthusiasm.

On the board, each square carried a question about agriculture, dairy animals or rural livelihood and a player had to answer if their token landed on the question. Correct responses earned prizes while wrong ones became a learning opportunities as stall representatives explained the answers.

“We want to know how well-versed the farmers are with the issues they face, and if they know the solutions. If they go wrong, we guide them. Along with being fun, it is a way to increase their awareness,” said a representative from the college.

The farmers called it eye-opening and knowledgeable.

Amrik Singh from Sangrur said the game was more than just entertainment.

“I was not aware of the answers to a few questions. Playing this helped me increase my knowledge,” he said with a smile.

A farmer from Moga compared the experience to a rural version of tambola as the thrill of winning even a small gift added to the excitement.

“I won a gift and haven’t opened it yet. I’ll take it home for my daughter she will be excited to open it,” he said.

The initiative combined education with recreation, breaking the monotony of lectures or pamphlets. Farmers, often hesitant to engage in formal training, were willingly participating in the game that helped expand their knowledge.