Vanya Organics, Indore: Farming in Harmony with Nature!

By Outlook Traveller

-------------------

Vanya Organics, near Indore, is synonymous with sustainability and wellness

Having visited a few organic farms over the years, we were prepared for rows of neatly planted saplings, pruned trees, and mounds of compost in various stages of maturity at Vanya Organics. But it displayed none of it. Instead, true to its name, it resembled a forest. A food forest where trees, vines, roots and shoots grow at will. And in abundance. Mango, papaya, babool, pink pepper, kaffir lime, dates, ginger, aloe vera - the whole platter. We entered the gates of Vanya, near Indore, at around 12 noon. Yet the overhead sun, instead of scorching us, filtered through tall canopies of moringa and tendu, giving us just the cover for a leisurely walk in the forest.

Sun, soil and symbiosis

A 40-acre oasis on the banks of Narmada, Vanya's bounty is as carefully designed as it is organic. Thanks to 'natural farming"deployed by former IRS Officer Patanjali Jha. Unlike industrial farming that razes forests and depletes soil's nutrients, natural farming harnesses natural resources on the land. The 'layered' nature of the forest, for instance, ensures that the sun's rays first bathe the moringa trees, trickle down to shine on the citrus, descend further to caress the vetiver (khas grass) and ultimately nourish the turmeric or sweet potato that grow underground. Similarly, the guduchi, a popular herb in Ayurvedic practices, intertwines itself around neem trees, ensuring that the two engage in a symbiotic relationship. 

Of trees and bees

The land here is never turned or tilled and there is no use of chemical fertiliser, pesticide or herbicide. 'Cide', as Jha points out, means to kill. Vanya contrarily is designed as a space that allows life to 'thrive'. So the forest grows plants and trees that flower and fruit throughout different times of the year to ensure a steady supply of nourishment for the bees. "The productivity of a farm visited by bees grows by 30 per cent," Jha explained. Vanya doesn't compost either. The natural mulch from the trees' shedding and animal waste makes for excellent nutrition for the trees, he added. An economist by qualification, Jha's passion for natural farming is inspired by the Japanese no-till farming visionary Masanobu Fukuoka and Gujarati natural farming pioneer Bhaskar.

Healing people and the planet

A passionate farmer, Jha believes that any food when grown in a pristine environment is medicinal. A refreshing brew made entirely with ingredients foraged from this forest that we had had earlier is an example of the same. So is the lunch that we were lovingly served - also prepared entirely from the forest's harvests. Apart from being an oasis for all life forms that depend on it, Jha believes that the forests can also reverse climate change. 

"The Earth's cycle of plant and animal life is naturally regenerative and sustainable. We must mimic it and learn from it, not replace it with unsustainable practices. If we can create these little pieces of natural paradise everywhere in the world, it can be a strong force to fight the climate crisis," he said. 

In fact, ever since Jha took over the land around 12 years ago, the temperature here hasn't shot beyond 36 degrees - a whopping 10 degrees lower than when his parents lived here more than a decade ago. Besides, natural farming with its quadruple layers is capable of producing 200 times more than a regular farm, thereby reducing the need to create more 'agriculture land'. 

From growing clean food to reversing climate change and harvesting large quantities of food in sustainable ways, there is much to learn at Vanya - as an urban farmer, a foodie, a biologist or just someone curious about how the world can be a more compassionate and healthier place.

The Information

How to get there: Indore is the nearest airport, 105km away, and the nearest railway station is also at Indore, 95km away. There are also regular bus services from Indore to Dhar/Khalghat.  

Best time to visit: The farm welcomes guests throughout the year for a tour, but it is ideal to visit after October.

Accommodation: Vanya has two rooms, offered at no charge for both food and stay. Alternatively, the MPT hotel at Khalghat is 5km away. 

Address: Vanya Organic Natural Farm, State Highway 31, Khal Bujurg, Madhya Pradesh.

Contact: +91-1234567890; Email: email@vanyaorganic.com

Madhya Pradesh offers many opportunities to learn about, cherish and even grow your own food. Here are a few more places you could visit:

Eating Right in Kanha

Salban, the Kanha Homestay, has been growing and promoting hyperlocal produce, since it first opened its doors to visitors. The hosts are passionate cooks who use everything from mahua flowers and treacle to kodo millets and local varieties of rice.

How to get there: Salban is at Mukki Gate. The closest airports and railheads are at Raipur and Nagpur, other than the Gondia Junction, which is about 2.5 hours away.

Address: Village Baherakhar, PO Nikkum (Malajkhand), District Balaghat. 

Website: www.salbankanha.com 

Organic Table near Ujjain

The seeds of Jeevantika were sown by a young couple, who now offer visitors a chance to grow and savour their own food at the farm, but only if they sign up as volunteers.    

How to get there: The closest airport is Indore, and railway station, Ujjain.  

Address: Jeevantika, Barnagar, near Ujjain.

Accommodation: At the Jeevantika farm, if you sign up as a volunteer.

Website: jeevantika.co.in 

Reconnecting with our Roots, near Bhopal

Just about 50km from the capital city, Maati Se is a farmstay that celebrates local produce. 

How to get there: The closest airport is Bhopal, and the railway stations at Bhopal and Sehore are both easily accessible. 

Address: Maati Se Farm, Kotakarar Village, Anwali Kheda Panchayat, Sehore District. 

Accommodation: Maati Se Farm

Website: maatise.in

Seasonal Wonders in Panchmarhi

Part of the AM Hotel Kollection, The Summer House, Panchmarhi, perched at 1,100 msl, enjoys sweeping views of the Satpuras. Their in-house restaurant, The Five, features a curated seasonal menu that changes throughout the year.

How to get there: The closest airport is Bhopal, and Pipariya is the closest railway station.

Address: The Summer House, Civil Lines, Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh. 

Website: www.amhotelkollection.com/THESUMMERHOUSE

Source URL: https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/mp/wellness/read/the-enchanted-forest/