Join us in our organic farm in Madanapalle, South India

Details

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  Description

  This piece of 70 acres of land was bought by the family in 1970. The land was uncultivated, undulating, and filled with shrubs and thorny bushes. We began with chemical farming in 1987 with the growing of vegetables; broccoli, cauliflower, brinjal, tomato, chili, french beans, etc. In 2003 we also began growing aromatic plants like Davana, Citronella, Pamarosa, Lemon Grass. We distilled the oil in the distillation unit on the farm and sold it to exporters to be used in the perfumery and pharma industries. For this, we received the Rural Entrepreneur Award from the then-President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
  
  There was always an intention to change the land into an organic farm, and the spark was provided through the book, One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese farmer and philosopher. Since learning in detail about the drastic effects of chemical farming on the land and life around us we immediately began to convert the land into an organic farm. This happened in the year 2009. We were also inspired by the Zero Budget Natural Farming, developed by Subash Palekar, and have implemented some of his methods. We use naturally made fertilizers, like Jeevamrutha, Dhashaparni, Bheejamrutha for all our crops. These are different combinations of cow dung, cow urine, natural forest leaves etc... There are around 60 cows of different native species; primarily for conservation and Jeevamrutha.
  
  In the last decade due to labor shortage and the unpredictable monsoon rains as a result of global warming, we have had to broaden our activities into other areas. Globally we have become more health conscious and the demand for healthy living by consuming local organic produce has increased. So we set up an organic store on the farm where we provide healthy organic food and other household items. We source local organic produce and raw materials from organic farmers around us if we are not growing them and process them to be sold. We also have handmade organic soaps and shampoos, made by the women on the farm. We have cold press machines, where we press traditional edible oils, which are healthy and fresh.
  
  We employ around 100 workers, who are all from the local villages and are primarily women. We have been supporting them and their families for more than 30 to 40 years. So, even if we dont need that many people we all still work together and enjoy having the old timers around. Each of them are an integral part of the community.
  
  There are many different activities and ongoing projects on the farm. The most recent one is the planting of local forest tree varieties on the farm in the fallow areas to create beautiful forests. An upcoming project that has been in the works for many years is the planning and construction of a Nature Cure Center on the farm. Made with sustainable building materials, the project hopes to create a space where anyone can come to stay, and share in the experience of living on an organic farm, surrounded by clean air, farm animals, and healthy food. The construction of these traditional buildings is due to start soon and one can be involed in this too.
  
  Rainwater harvesting is another ongoing project. Due to water shortage, we began rooftop rain water harvesting in 2011 and use this for drinking and cooking throughout the year. We created a natural water filter in 2017 using ingredients that enrich and cleanses flowing water with minerals; wood charcoal, earthen brick pieces, sand, and limestone. The filter is also available for people to buy and set up in their homes.
  
  So for any one wanting to visit and volunteer there are ample opportunites and areas to work in and get involved.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Pets

  

  Farming

  

  Writing

  

  Gardening

  

  Music

  

  Plant care

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Books

  

  Art & design

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Team sports

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  There are always things we can learn from each other. We have enjoyed having members from different communities on our farm through the years. It is an opportunity for us all to learn new languages, cultures and cuisines. Working together, cooking and eating together, playing sports together has been an incredible experience for us all. There are many hills around the farm where we can do hikes in the weekends. There are a few wells and lakes too, for a swim. We are open to sharing our knowledge and welcome new inputs and knowledge with equal excitement.

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  Help

  There are may different things happening on the farm. Everything we do is organic. We do not use chemicals. Our volunteers can join the other members of our team on any of these projects.
  
  1. Growing and caring for the veggie garden
  2. Caring for the forest trees and plants around the farm
  3. Helping with the natural and sustainable mud construction
  4. Making of jaggery from sugarcane; harvesting, juicing, boiling, create jaggery balls
  5. Managing the waste segregation management system
  6. Caring for the 60 cows and 5 dogs
  7. Getting involved in the farm shop; packaging, processing, sales
  8. Making handmade soaps, shampoos and organic snacks
  
  These are some of the activities that are happenning on the farm. But we are always open to having new ideas to think about and implement. We like to help each other as a group and welcome everyones views.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Telugu: Fluent
  Hindi: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  We offer simple and comfortable rooms on the farm with attached bathroom and toilets. There are seperate rooms for families and sharing accomodation for single travellers of the same gender. We also have a few tents for those who are interested in camping.
  
  We provide 3 organic meals a day and volunteers are welcome to pitch in and help with the dinner preparation. All the food prepared is vegetarian and od the local cuisine.

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  What else ...

  There are some mopeds and a car available on the farm for use, with a valid license. Apart from that there are regular autos and busses that go into town from the main road.
  
  There are plenty of hills all around, so trekking is a good option on the days off. We do not encourage the consumption of alcohol and smoking on the farm premises.
  
  Food - we serve vegetarian local cuisine. Unfortunately due to limited staff we cannot cater to some dietary requirements yet. We hope to be able to change that in the future.
  Vegan and gluten-free diet is possible.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We have wifi in some areas on the farm and a work station.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  The farm is 70 acres. Anywhere is ok for campers and motohomes as long as they are not disturbing the families who live here or the work that happens during the day.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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