updated  

Sustainable farming for a grassroots NGO based in Tamil Nadu, India​​

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello!

    We are a women-led non-profit organization based in Virudhunagar, a rural village located in Tamil Nadu, in the South of India. We started our work in 1993, committed to improving the welfare of society’s most marginalized groups, particularly women and children living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS and/or TB.

    In 2002 the Farm was established by a Trust with the support of Caritas Sweden in Chittoor, a rural area outside of Virudhunagar.

    Our farm is fully organic, using the manure from the livestock and 'vermicompost' to fertilize the land.

    The agricultural side of the farm is thriving with the cultivation of many varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables. These include okra, aubergine, corn, spinach, lentils and pulses, pumpkin, drumstick (moringa), mango, guava, chikoo, gooseberry and aloe vera. We use a drip irrigation system, with which rainwater is collected and slowly released across the farm through a pipe system.

    The Farm is also the home of cows, goats, chickens, turkeys and ducks.

    Our farm is maintained by a farmer, short-term international volunteers, and young women living next door.

    We are happy to welcome volunteers to help us with the maintenance of our sustainable and organic farm.

    At the Farm, you have the opportunity to take part in different types of activities depending on your interests and passions, and to bring your own ideas as well!

    We look forward to having you here!

    Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions: we are here to help!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    By staying at our farm, you will have the opportunity to live in close contact with local communities of Tamil Nadu, interacting with our permanent staff, local farmers and other short-term volunteers coming from all over the world. In this way, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in Southern Indian culture and traditions! India has a vast amount of holidays and festivities which you will be able to celebrate authentically with us!

    At, you will be free to get engaged in the activities that you are more interested and passionate about. We are also always very happy to welcome new ideas. So, you will receive our full support if you choose to create your own interesting and engaging projects!

    During your free time, you will also have the opportunity to discover the beautiful Tamil Nadu and the many temples that this state is known for.

    We can promise you a beautiful experience surrounded by nature and filled with authentic cultural exchanges and memories of India that you will never forget!

  • Help

    Help

    1) Maintain the grounds: General maintenance such as gardening, cleaning clutter and maintaining safety standards on the grounds. Maintaining the farm by cleaning facilities, and repairing walls, fences and roofs of the barn and chicken coops.

    2) Farming: Helping on the farm with planting, nurturing and harvesting crops (depending on the season) and necessary labor implements such as building furrows, etc. Helping with the animal rearing and feeding, and collecting animal produce such as milk and egg production.

    3) Administrative Work at the Office: Assisting our office in Virudhunagar with administrative tasks, social media, grant writing and fundraising.

    4) Any educational and creative projects with the young women living next door in the Home


    We welcome new project suggestions, so don’t hesitate to contact us with your ideas !

  • Languages spoken

    Tamil: Fluent
    English: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    What we provide our volunteers:

    Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in a simple shared or private room which includes western toilets, mosquito nets, and a bed (please bring your own sheets, a towel and toiletries). Access to free Wi-Fi is available in the office room, and there is a water purification system, so you will always have access to clean drinking water.

    Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. Meals mainly consist of rice, vegetables and curry. For more variety, additional food options are available in Virudhunagar, which is around 20/30 minutes away by bus (meals are between Rs. 20-200). You are expected to pay for your bus ride to and from Virudhunagar (Rs. 10-11).

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Good to know:

    People working at theFarm have a limited knowledge of English. However, they can all sustain basic conversations, and want to improve their English so you will still be able to interact with them! Moreover, support from our English-speaking staff is provided at all times: they visit from time to time and they are always reachable by phone.

    The climate in Tamil Nadu is particularly dry and hot. Additionally, we want to advise that during April and May (school holidays) it is the hottest period of the year. This hot and dry climate is particularly favorable for dust and bugs (mosquitos!!).
    Moreover, since Virudhunagar is a rural area in Tamil Nadu and people are quite conservative here, we recommend the following clothing guidelines:
    - Modest loose and comfortable clothes which cover shoulders, higher neckline and knees for both men and women;
    - Comfortable and airy shoes, for example a good pair of sandals;
    - A hat or cap that can cover your head in the heat.

    For your free time:

    The local train station (Virudhunagar Junction) makes travel easy for daily or weekend excursions. The government and private bus system also make it easy to travel!
    Our local and international staff love giving tips and ideas on the best ways to take advantage of your time here, where to go, and what to see!

    If you are interested in our projects, check out our website: ask us for the link

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

  • ...

    This host charges a fee

    read more
    Volunteers will fund their selected project (Very small budgets – e.g. purchase paint for 500 rupees)
Host ref number: 15981937344d

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

+16

Feedback (24)



Photos

A group of smiling children gathers around a small guava tree in a field, touching its green fruit and enjoying a joyful moment together outdoors.
This image shows a cluster of unripe green bananas growing on a banana tree, surrounded by large green leaves and dry, brown foliage under a clear blue sky.
This image shows a fenced area with several goats grazing on the ground. There are trees, blue-roofed sheds, and various farm supplies scattered around.
This image shows a rural chicken farm with several brown chickens roaming freely on the dirt ground, surrounded by blue-sheeted coops and trees in the morning.
The image depicts a serene agricultural scene, featuring a papaya tree with fruit, a row of plants, and four individuals tending to the land, set against a blue sky with clouds.
The image depicts a serene rural scene with a cow standing in a fenced area, surrounded by trees, a hut, and solar panels, exuding a sense of tranquility and simplicity.
The image depicts two children sitting on buckets outside a small, blue building, surrounded by goats and buckets, with a serene body of water in the background.
The image depicts a rooftop solar panel installation, featuring multiple dark blue panels with white grid lines, set against a backdrop of trees and a blue sky with white clouds.

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

+16

Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(4.8)





























Slow living community for artists welcomes spiritual seekers & travellers near Almora, India
Help in a permaculture farm and nature retreat near Jaipur, Rajasthan, India