Snapshot of the farm
|
Year started |
2011 |
|
Current stewards/residents |
Ramesh |
|
Total acreage |
4.5 (Phase 1) |
|
Total cultivated area |
3.2 acres under irrigation |
|
Main produce |
Grain, some
seasonal vegetables, oil seeds and pulses, dairy & poultry |
|
Annual turnover |
About Rs. 300,000 |
|
Opportunities for volunteering |
Yes |
|
Please contact farm
directly |
|
|
Contact info |
81225-56389 |
Vision and mission of the farm
Kalpavruksha aims at preserving, reviving and
promoting indigenous crops and vegetables. It supports and biodiversity and is committed
to sustainable use of water.
Current operations
The farm is located in the low-lying catchment
area of the Irumbai tank. It currently produces rice, black sesame, a variety
of rain-fed crops like millets and seasonal vegetables. It seeks to promote
biodiversity by cultivating endangered species, such as having six different
varieties of bananas and breeding native fish varieties. It also has a small dairy of different cow
breeds and a poultry of about 20 country (indigenous) hens. Crops are grown on
a rotational basis to preserve soil fertility. While the soil is relatively
fertile, it tends to get water-logged and damage crops. Inter-cropping is practised to maximize usage
of water. The water supply is from the Irumbai tank and a small open wall. Drip
irrigation is practised to helps economise on water usage. Kalpavruksha
processes some of its surplus produce for additional income.
Plans in the upcoming years
As a young farm, Kalpavrukha is still at the
stage of experimenting with different crops to understand what would best suit
the soil conditions. At present, Ramesh is planning on planting sugar cane in
the fields that tend to get water-logged in the monsoon. Substantial
investments, particularly into the water system and accommodation, will be
needed to make this farm viable and productive in the long run.
Contact: Ramesh 81225-56389
E-mail: greenrootsramesh@gmail.com
