Solitude Farm follows Fukuoka’s permaculture and natural farming techniques. Fukuoka advocated that all the bio-resources around us, such as leaves, weeds, branches, etc., should constantly be returned to the soil to increase soil fertility. No pesticides or fertilizers have ever been used on the land. We practice non-tillage and no machines or tractors are used. Every part of this land is honored and respected.

Solitude Farm is a true example of Masanobu Fukuoka’s philosophy in practice – a road back to nature through eating local food. We welcome you to come and explore your relationship with Mother Nature at Solitude Farm and be part of the change. 

Upcoming Events 

Mini-permaculture workshop (Every Saturday) 

A closer look at Solitude farm through exploration of local food. This workshop will give you a clear insight on how to re-connect with Mother Nature through the principles of natural farming and permaculture. Included is a Secrets of our Salads mini-cooking workshop, where the group harvests and makes a nutrition-packed salad together. Held every Wednesday, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, includes lunch and refreshments. 

Schedule – 

9:30 am
Introduction
Reading of Fukuoka

10:00 am
Tour
Honoring Organic Matter
Gifts of Mother Earth
Biodiversity
Harvest of crops 

11:00 am
The secrets of our Salads (mini cooking workshop)
Exploring the Ayurvedic and nutritional benefits of local plants
Benefits of local plants 

12:30 pm 
Lunch and Closing Circle 

Background information 

Solitude was started in 1996 by a group of young Aurovillians. One of them, Krishna McKenzie, inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka developed the farm with the ideas of Natural farming and permaculture. 

Much like the rest of Auroville, the land needed tending and care. Fukuoka advocated that all the bio-resources around us, such as leaves, weeds, branches, etc., should constantly be returned to the soil to increase soil fertility. 

We have come to understand, over the years, that a healthy soil is Mother Earth, and through a deepening of our relationship with Her, we now use over 130 different plants in the food we serve at the café. 

No pesticides or fertilizers have ever been used on the land. We practice non-tillage and no machines or tractors are used. Every part of this land is honored and respected. 

Solitude Farm is a true example of Masanobu Fukuoka’s philosophy in practice – a road back to nature through eating local food. 

Regards,
Solitude Farm & Cafe Team

3 – Day Permaculture workshop 

We welcome you to an experiential weekend workshop at Solitude Farm in the international township in Auroville. This workshop aims to empower you to start growing your own food and to gain an insight into knowing where our food comes from. As a participant, you will discover how to use permaculture techniques like – raised beds, mulching, inter-crops, windbreaks, nitrogen-fixing plants, crop rotations etc... We will also explore how to start a nursery, prepare the soil and save seeds. 

A natural extension to growing our own food is cooking and gaining an insight into the medicinal and nutritional value of local foods. For example, preparing green smoothies, green papaya salad, banana flower vadais and plantain chips. 

The work at Solitude Farm has been deeply inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka, a Zen master Farmer. Every evening we will be reading from Fukuoka’s book – The One Straw Revolution.

 Solitude Farm is a sustainable farming community with simple yet charming bamboo huts and a few tree houses for guests. There are compost toilets and the showers are open to the sky. We are not a resort; we are a farm. The food and the closeness to nature will touch your heart. This is an intensive workshop and it requires you to have energy, enthusiasm and an inquiring mind.

Schedule (approximately)

Friday
9:00 – 12:30 Arrive and Settle
12:30 Lunch
14:00 Introduction at Pavilion
15:00 Tour: Know where your food comes from, First Step!
16:30 Reading, One Straw Revolution
19:00 Dinner 

Saturday
7:00 Harvest- Secret of our salads workshop
7:45 Breakfast
8:30 Circle Garden
12:30 Lunch
14:00 Nursery
16:00 Cooking workshop- Exploring Millets
17:30 Reading, One Straw Revolution
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Bon Fire and Music 

Sunday
7:30 Secret of Herbal Juices workshop
8:30 Breakfast
9:00 Urban Garden Module
10:30 Permaculture Design- How do I Start?
12:30 Lunch
14:00 Closing Circle and Sharing
15:30 Departure 

Contact
For costing and further information, please write to us.
Contact Krishna: +91-9843319260 or at krishnamckenzie@auroville.org.in