Help us raise an organic self sustained farm from scratch in Agumbe, Karnataka, India

  • Favourited 89 times
  • Last activity: 24 Feb 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Goal:
    Raising a sustainable micro Organic farm, using rapidly disappearing eco friendly farming methods and local living to
    then use this as a model approach to farming and life to propagate other farmers adopt this. To help them understand that this nature friendly methods are feasible and sustainable.

    We have been farming since 2014 in this area ( Agumbe , Karnataka ). We have just moved to a new property which has been an abandoned farm land for two decades. Its just been 2 months we are starting from scratch again. We have just planted sugarcane and gearing up for June ( monsoons ) to cultivated rice besides planting of variety of saplings on the slopes and developing our own plant nursery.

    Ever since we started in 2014, by collecting cow dung manure found in public areas around the village we have had a great journey with successful micro harvests of endemic rice, vegetables, Sugarcane, fruits, spices, arecanuts, turmeric and ginger.

    We have local breed of cattle, dogs and cats. We maintain an apiary.

    The farm is located in Agumbe ( a small town in Western ghats), often called the Cherrapunji of southern India, for the maximum rainfall it receives. In the heart of a dense biodiverse forest, we have 4 acre fields and slopes on either sides.



    Non farming oppurtunities:
    Alternate construction methods to build structures around the place.
    Alternative energy.
    We have been filming the whole process of creating this organic farm from grass roots, to make it as a documentary for screening in schools/agriculture colleges. People interested in supporting camera work/ editing or tech support would be of help.
    Artist residency for musicians/ writers/ film makers.
    Research and cultivation of endemic medicinal plants.
    A kitchen to be set up with ancient cooking methods.

    About us:

    Sthalaa was conceived by Jassim & Somala in 2018, coming from different backgrounds, bound together by our passion for ancient, back to roots, way of life around the core- farming.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Apart from being part of the tribe in building and propagating organic farming, and sustainable living, one can learn/enjoy local cuisines, quite lifestyle, and experience raw nature.
    Agumbe, being in the heart of western ghats, a thick forest land known for its biodiversity, it has been named as a UNESCO heritage site, allows one to explore and have various types of experiences.

    Lots of places of tourist interest and many virgin spots to explore.
    Kundadri Hill - a monolithic rock housing a 3000 year old Jain temple, is juts about 10 miles away.
    Houses which are 300 years old, alive, and have been made famous by few television series, is less than 5 kms away.
    Known for its highest rainfall history, it is scenic through out the year, with varied landscapes, and dotted with various spots for sunset viewing.
    Lots of virgin spots inside the forests suitable for trekking with wildlife and leeches for company.
    few water falls, some well known and others virgin inside the deep forests, worth exploring.
    King Cobra research centre close by.
    Sakkarebail, an elephant camp is about 2 hours by public transport.
    Mandgadde bird sanctuary, home for migratory birds from Siberia amongst others, is again 2 hours by bus.
    Sringeri Mutt, an ancient temple and also a historical site - is 30 kms away from our farm.
    The famous Jog Falls - the highest water fall in India and the Tavare Koppa tiger reserve is 2.5 hour drive away.
    Also near by within few miles we have old ancient historical forts.

  • Help

    Help

    Daily Farming activities - ranges from maintaining fences, land preparation, irrigation, planting, cultivation and logistics.
    Harvest and processing of seasonal crops which involves boiling and sun drying of the yield mostly.
    Feeding and grazing the live stock.
    We welcome help on setting up eco friendly, endemic shelters for volunteers and guests.
    Building slurry tank, irrigation channels, composting, liquid manuring.
    Help is needed in setting up of our nursery and kitchen garden.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Hindi: Fluent
    Kannada: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    The accommodation would be traditional style 10' X 12' room double occupancy with a shared Bathroom and toilet outside.

    Bathroom contains a copper vessel to heat water using firewood. Toilet has a western style commode.

    Healthy basic traditional vegetarian meals and food for volunteers.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Apart from sightseeing and trekking, time off can be spent with books and musical instruments to keep oneself busy. Or just meditate in nature.

    We could have occasional campfire cooking and music and sky gazing.

    We also encourage volunteers to take up cooking and cleaning as part of daily farm activities.

    Transportation to our farm is mainly by Public transport.
    Closest Railway stations are Udupi and Shimoga.
    Frequent buses from Mangalore/ Udupi/ Manipal and Shimoga and Bangalore.

    Ideally, we would like our volunteer guests to be respectful of the culture and customs followed here.
    In line with our conscious living efforts, we will not allow alcohol consumption and smoking, loud music or noise during your stay with us.

    Long term volunteers with a keen interest and passion towards living close to nature/wilderness is preferred.

  • 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

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Minimum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 628785324971

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