6 Pillars of Sustainable Farming

 

Jal(water) Jungle(forest), Jamin(soil), Janvar(farm animals and wild animals), Jeevan(life) & Jevan(food). These are the 6 Pillars of Sustainable Farming.

Sustainable farm needs patience, rather it is an ever evolving dynamic space. It will evolve until it becomes regenerative and not dependent on any external inputs. Like a "Food Forest".

Self sufficiency in water is of utmost importance, when one wants to farm. Farming is water intensive and being dependent on ground water, water from rivers/dams will only deplete it . Rain fed agriculture may not be rewarding. . So creating one's water source in the land is necessary. Various ways to retain water in your land are: Farm ponds, Desi tree plantation, bunds and trenches, rotational cropping , keeping the soil covered with crops, trees, weeds through the season.

Creating a "Jungle", "Forest" kind of ecosystem by planting trees where birds can nest and eat the fruits from,. Layered farming with big trees, bushes, creepers, grasses, root vegetable and various edible fungui. The bird and bees will find a natural home and a stable ecosystem. A best way to control pests through the natural "Food Web".

"Jamin", " Soil", fertility depends on the above two. Keeping the soil live and breathing. This kind of soil will have very good Carbon and PH which is appropriate condition for crops and fruit yielding trees.

"Janvar", "Farm Animals/wild animals" are necessary companions. They are an integral part of farming. The natural manure, farm help, companionship and in some cases one can enjoy excess milk and other products. Co habitation with wild animals helps in keeping the "Food web" intact. The man animal conflict is un acceptance of cohabitation.

"Jeevan", "Life", forms are everywhere. Many are not visible to the eyes either on the ground or under ground. This micro organisms play a vital role in making soil, converting food into nutrition for the plants. These are the facilitators. By excessive use of chemicals, heavy machinery and excess water or lands which are over cultivated with out any natural weeds and are exposed to the sun and rain lose these tiny soldiers. Keeping a jungle like ecosystem in your food farm will keep these life form alive and multiplying.

"Jevan", "Food for all", "Athiti Devo Bhava", applies here as well. We must behave as if we are the care takers of the land. There is enough in nature for everyone. In a balanced ecosystem, food for everyone is important. Planting trees which give shelter and food for other species, sharing part of the crop with birds, animals will keep them alive and in your land. They day the don't get food from your land, they will either migrate or perish.

Being Mindful of every decisions, small or big is whats matters in sustainable farming.

Thank you.

Vaishali Gadgil

Founder- Shashwat Organics

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