Green Economics

Author: Srinivas Abhilash and Arun Kumar

Earth Day is a global event that promotes environmental awareness and encourages action to protect the planet. It was established in 1970 in response to growing concerns about environmental degradation, pollution, deforestation, and the loss of biodiversity. 

It is celebrated in over 190 countries through activities like clean-up campaigns, tree-planting events, educational programs, and advocacy for environmental policy initiatives. It has helped raise global awareness and led to significant environmental achievements like the establishment of the EPA and the passage of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. 

Earth Day remains a vital platform for advocating for climate change action, conservation, and sustainability efforts to create a better future for the planet.

Why We Need to Invest in Our Planet

The interconnection between humans and their environment is evident in the saying, “A person is the product of their environment.” The human body and the planet share similarities, with interconnected systems that are vital for survival. 

Water, for instance, is essential for sustaining life on both a planetary and biological level, with approximately 71 percent of the Earth’s surface and 60 percent of the human body composed of water. Dehydration can harm the human body, and a lack of groundwater can affect the growth of plants and trees on Earth. 

Unfortunately, human activities such as overpopulation, pollution, deforestation, and climate change have led to environmental degradation, negatively impacting human health and access to resources. It’s crucial to recognize our impact and take action to protect the planet for future generations.

How We Can Invest in Our Planet

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” 

            —Mahatma Gandhi

Conscious Consumption – Food

The green revolution introduced hybrid seeds to combat food scarcity in India, but these crops require chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which harm the environment and human health. Nutritious food cannot be grown, leading to overconsumption and waste. Eating high- nutrient diets can satisfy hunger with less food, benefiting the earth, farmers, and health. Choosing indigenous seeds retains soil fertility and discourages chemical use. Selecting food varieties that use fewer resources, such as millet over rice, can have a cascading effect on demand and supply, benefiting groundwater levels. By being conscious consumers and shifting our choices, we can invest in the planet’s health.

Conscious Consumption – Plastic

Plastic waste harms ecosystems and wildlife, with humans producing 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste since the 1950s. It pollutes oceans, harms wildlife, and disrupts ecosystems. Reducing plastic consumption and proper disposal is crucial for the environment’s future. Small items like toothbrushes contribute significantly to plastic waste, with the average person using 300 plastic toothbrushes in their lifetime. Replacing only the neck of a toothbrush or switching to bamboo toothbrushes can reduce plastic waste by up to 70%. Every person’s actions can make a positive difference in protecting the planet, from recycling to reducing energy consumption and choosing sustainable products. Let’s consume consciously and invest in the planet’s health.

Conscious Consumerism – Energy Consumption

Global energy consumption has been steadily increasing, with the fastest rate of growth in the last decade. This increase is concerning, but we can reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint to combat climate change. Simple practices such as turning off lights and using energy-efficient appliances can help. Additionally, using public transportation or carpooling is an effective way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions. The odd-even scheme, implemented in some countries, restricts private vehicles with odd or even registration numbers on alternate days, reducing congestion and pollution levels. It’s essential to make conscious choices to protect our planet and invest in a sustainable future for all.

The Power of ONE

As individuals, we have the power to drive positive change by choosing environmentally and socially responsible products and practices. Creating a food forest on a piece of land you own can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to biodiversity and habitat restoration.

Investing inHosachiguru’s managed farmlands is a smart financial decision that also promotes sustainable agriculture practices. Their work inspires others to take action and make conscious choices for a better world. Co-farmers can choose investment options that fit their budget and goals, knowing their investments support a sustainable future. Let’s invest in our planet today for a brighter tomorrow.

Conclusion

As we celebrate World Earth Day and reflect on our responsibility to protect our planet, it’s important to recognize that investing in our planet is just the right thing to do. By taking action to protect our environment, we can help ensure a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

At Hosachiguru, we’re committed to implementing sustainable and regenerative practices in agriculture through our expertise in managed farmland. As pioneers in this field, we offer investment opportunities that allow individuals to contribute to a more sustainable future. By investing with us, you can do your part to support sustainable agriculture practices and promote a brighter future for all. Let’s invest in our planet today for a healthier tomorrow.

Author: Srinivas Abhilash and Arun Kumar 

“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” — Thomas Jefferson

Firstly, land cannot be manufactured. It is a limited commodity and is a sure-shot bet in wealth creation. But should you buy land just for creating wealth? Or is there more to it?

Have you ever thought about how important agriculture is to our lives? Even with more and more people living in cities and being disconnected from the soil, agriculture remains vital to our survival.

Living in an urban area doesn’t mean you can’t participate in agriculture. There are numerous benefits to growing your own food or owning farmland. Although it may seem difficult for city dwellers in India, it’s essential not to be discouraged by the obstacles. Fortunately, there is a hassle-free solution available. However, before we delve into that, let’s first understand why it is a must to own farmland for you.

Sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming practices are essential in the fight against climate change. These methods help sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are crucial for our planet’s health. By encouraging individuals and communities to choose, adopt and adapt to clean farming practices, we can work towards a sustainable future for everyone.

And, even for those who live in the city, owning farmland in rural areas can have many advantages. Not only can it provide a source of income and investment opportunities, but it also offers a chance to reconnect with nature and the land. Below are some of the pointers and reasons urbanites in India must have farmland.

Food Security

Food security is a big concern in India, as the country is the second most populous in the world and its population is still growing. But the food we consume today is completely adulterated and commercial agriculture is designed to maximize from land at the cost of soil health and the consumer’s health. One way to address this issue is by owning farmland, even if you’re an urban resident.

By owning farmland, you can have access to fresh produce and reduce your reliance on industrial food systems, making sure a consistent supply of nutritious food. It’s essential to support local food systems, especially as environmental challenges like climate change make it harder for farmers to cultivate crops on a large scale using industrialized farming methods.

Growing your own food is a great way to have fresh produce and reduce your dependence on commercial food systems. But let’s face it, managing a standalone farmland can be quite a challenge, especially if you’re living in the city.

On the contrary, managed farmlands offer convenience to individuals with skilled farm labor, agronomists, and professional management to manage the resources along with round-the-clock security. With this model, you don’t have to worry about the logistics of managing a farm, but you can still enjoy the benefits of owning farmland.

The best part is that managed farmland can even help you reduce costs by using economies of scale. By pooling resources and managing farmland as a group, you can achieve greater efficiency and reduce expenses.

Hosachiguru offers managed acreage for people who want to own farmland without having to worry about managing it themselves. Yes, it’s true! You can own farmland that’s taken care of by professionals and even receive home delivery of fresh vegetables. This is great news for those who want the benefits of owning farmland, like having access to fresh produce, without the burden of managing it. Plus, it’s an excellent way to support local food systems and have access to fresh, nutritious food.

Environmental Sustainability

The Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development clearly state that a healthy environment is essential to basic human rights such as access to food, water, sanitation, and quality of life. A healthy environment is not a luxury. It’s a necessity for our well-being and survival.

Ecologist Eugene Odum once highlighted a crucial problem that is contributing to the degradation of our environment – our failure to properly value nature’s goods and services. Unlike human-made products, natural resources are not properly considered by market forces, which leads to environmental degradation. It’s time we recognize the importance of a healthy environment and make efforts to preserve it.

One great way to contribute to environmental sustainability is by growing agroforests, and food forests by following permaculture methods and mimicking forest ecosystems. By engaging in regenerative agricultural practices, we can reduce exposure to environmental hazards that cause air pollution, contaminate natural habitats, and harm flora and fauna. Growing your own food by nurturing food forests and supporting local farmers can significantly lower the carbon footprint of your meals by cutting the need for long-distance transportation. 

You can even take things a step further and support environmentally friendly initiatives by trading carbon credits (carbon credits represent a reduction of one ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gasses.) which can make a significant impact on the fight against climate change. Companies and individuals can benefit from carbon credits by participating in programs that promote sustainable practices, such as renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts. This provides a way to offset carbon emissions and support sustainable practices while generating financial benefits.

By having farmland and growing your own food, you can contribute towards environmental sustainability as it reduces the amount of waste produced by industrial food systems and packaging. This not only helps the environment to remain clean, but you can also save money in the long run.

Community Connect 

Agriculture is more than just about providing food; it is also about building stronger communities. Supporting local farmers and contributing to developing a thriving local food system can encourage interactions between farmers, consumers, and other community members. This helps to create a sense of camaraderie and connection among members of the community.

Growing your own food on your own land is another way to foster connections within the community. Sharing your harvest with your neighbors in the city and bonding over a shared love of gardening and good food can be a fun and fulfilling experience. Those who value the taste of fresh produce can also appreciate the unique flavor of chemical-free produce grown at home gardens or farmlands.

Buying a managed farmland with Hosachiguru can help you bond with a community of like-minded individuals who share values on sustainability, clean farming practices, and holistic living. By being a co-farmer and getting involved in agriculture with Hosachiguru, you support local farmers; and can contribute to the growth of a vibrant and thriving community. Own farmland, grow your food, and cherish being a part of a like-minded community that works together to build stronger, more connected communities through agriculture.

Healthy Mind and Body

When you grow your food through small-scale gardening or owning farmland, it’s not just about having access to fresh produce. It’s also a healthy lifestyle choice. Gardening and farming can be great physical activities that can help you reduce the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Plus, there’s the bonus of improving your mental health since gardening can be a relaxing and stress-reducing activity.

When you own farmland, you get to decide what seeds to sow, and this can have a big impact on your health and the environment. By choosing open-pollinated and heirloom seeds over hybrid and GM seeds, you are creating a ripple effect in the world of sustainability. Open-pollinated varieties are genetically stable and offer the advantage of being able to grow and save your seeds, which can lead to greater self-sufficiency and superior adaptation. Plus, genetic variation between the plants in the field means diseases spread less quickly than in the case of genetically identical plants of a hybrid variety.

Growing your fruits, vegetables, grains, and lentils using open-pollinated and heirloom seeds, alongside clean agricultural practices, can result in more nutritious yields compared to hybrid or genetically modified options. This means that the food you grow on your land with these seeds can provide you and your family with the gift of longevity, a healthy mind, and body, and reduced reliance on processed or packaged foods from the supermarket.

By opting for these traditional seeds and clean practices, you’ll have fresh and nutritious produce at your fingertips that can contribute to better nutrition and overall health. This is a great way to make sure that you and your loved ones are consuming high-quality, wholesome food.

Conclusion

By owning a piece of the land, you are moving one step forward toward democratizing farming and decentralizing the process of growing food, and having full transparency and traceability over the source. You can also experience a sense of strength and autonomy over your health and well-being by taking charge of your food system. You can make informed decisions about what you put into your body and experience the satisfaction that comes with knowing exactly where your food comes from and how it was produced.

Imagine being able to tell the story of where your food came from to your family and friends. You’ll have a sense of pride knowing that you’re taking charge of your food system and making informed decisions about what you eat.

By investing in land managed by Hosachiguru, you’ll be joining a community of like-minded individuals who are all working towards sustainability using regenerative farming practices. This means that you’ll not only be contributing to a healthy ecosystem but also a sustainable supply chain.

Investing in a piece of land is a conscious choice, and it’s a gift that can last for generations to come. So why not start exploring your options today? Owning farmland can enhance your life in so many ways, and you’ll be doing your part to create a healthier and more sustainable future. Let’s make intentional choices and take charge of our well-being.

Author: Srinivas Abhilash

Land on planet earth is scarce. Mark Twain once said, “Buy land, they are not making it anymore.” Though land is one of the most profitable investments in the world, farmlands for sure come with their share of uncertainties, legal shortfalls, and a string of unavoidable difficulties; and it can be intimidating to even the most experienced individuals to invest in farmland because of the lack of experience and expertise it demands one to have in various diverse fields of Agronomy, Law, and Farm Management.

It is massive work for an individual to identify the best suitable land within the budget that maps with the right size, location, accessibility, soil quality, and water sources. The hassle of cross-verifying ownership titles and documents for disputes and getting all required clearances from local authorities to ensure the safety and authenticity of the piece of land is an Elephant in the room. It is a nightmare to own agricultural land as a small retail investor in India.

With managed farmlands, one can put all such concerns to rest; it certainly fits the bill. Investments should be safe, secure, and rewarding. So, are managed farmlands. It comes with a strong process orientation that adds value and maximizes the ROI making it a unique investment opportunity that provides proactive guidance and supervision to farmland property, making all the difference towards an ever-appreciating green asset. Owning a managed farmland is the best gift to cherish for life and a legacy that will pass on to future generations.

Managed Farmland Vs. Traditional Real Estate

Investment in real estate offers a steady source of income, lends stability to the portfolio, and allows leverage at low risk. Traditional real estate in an urban setup comes with a huge initial cost but has a very low ROI. According to ET Money, the average 10-year return on a real estate investment has been just about 10 percent. 

On the contrary, managed farmlands can be highly productive land parcels depending on the type of management, plantation, and level of resource efficiency. With cyclical crops and timber plantations, there is a huge opportunity for wealth creation that is ever-appreciating in value, especially for new-age investors. The amended Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, now permits any individual or institution from non-farming background to own agricultural land. It has massively opened up the market for investments in managed farmlands.

Benefits of owning a Hosachiguru-Managed Farmland

The primary objective of Hosachiguru-managed farmland is to adopt and implement sustainable practices, manage risk, maximize productivity, and reduce operational costs. Traditional farming practices coupled with tech-enabled farm management help to monitor the farm plantations and get real-time insights and quality yields. Tilling, planting, pruning, spraying, and irrigating are some of the routine operational and recurring activities which form a part of an efficient farm management system.

At Hosachiguru, individuals and families who invest with us are Co-farmers. Some of the benefits of owning Hosachiguru-managed farmland and being a co-farmer are as follows:

• • Hassle-Free Investment

    • Hosachiguru-managed farmlands are a haven to invest in and are hassle-free. Legal titles and land ownership are thoroughly checked and carefully vetted by our competent legal team to ensure 100% transparency. Individual investors can rest assured about their hard-earned money.
    • Agriculture and farmland owners often face the heat of uncertainty inherent in weather, yields, soil erosion, climate change, and biodiversity loss. With managed farmlands, professional teams with niche skills micro-manage farmlands with the tech-enabled system to deliver peace to the farmland owner. 

• • Asset Value Appreciation

    • We at Hosachiguru, an agricultural asset management company, ideally have our managed farmlands strategically placed close to urban centers allowing the investors to experience the benefit of compounding that results in a higher appreciation rate compared to their traditional investments made in the city limits

• • Environmental Benefits

    • At Hosachiguru-managed farmlands, we aim to create a healthy ecosystem of tranquility, with attention to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. With intelligent systems in place, one can experience a forest ecosystem.
    • Our co-farmers can enjoy increased farm income by executing plantations and farm forestry that offers environmental benefits to the land in terms of improved soil, water quality, and sustainable production. The long-term benefits are improved biodiversity, salinity, shelter for livestock and crops, etc.,
    • With Hosachiguru-managed farmlands, a co-farmer is making a significant contribution towards the United Nations Sustainable Goals (SDGs-6,11,12) to transform our world.

• • A Perfect Weekend Gateway with Luxurious Amenities

    • Housing in contemporary urban spaces is cramped and congested. These rabbit hutches are known for cheek-by-jowl living. According to the United Nations, the world population will touch 10 Billion by 2050, which can result in urban housing becoming even smaller. On the contrary, Hosachiguru-managed farmlands offer large open spaces which instill a new breath of life with a sense of serenity and calmness. It just does not only offer refuge but provides a much-needed recharge for our co-farmers with a space in the lush green and quiet area that will rejuvenate their mind and body.
    • Co-farmers at Hosachiguru-managed farmlands have an assured chance to live amidst nature with luxury at our cottages and resorts, reserved exclusively for them. Amenities like machans and view decks, bird-watching spots, meditation and yoga pods, etc., allow our co-farmers to relax and get away from their busy lifestyle in the city. Furthermore, with Hosachiguru-managed farmlands, our co-farmers can build their farmhouse on their farm plot and visit any time, any day. Well-managed water distribution systems ensure that water is available at all farm plots.

• Tech-Enabled Managed Farmlands

  • Every Hosachiguru-managed farmland is secure, sustainable, rewarding, and tech-enabled. Co-farmers have access to the in-house proprietary mobile app, the MyFarm app. It helps to keep track of every farming activity that happens on the farm plot. In addition, this app allows a co-farmer to be in touch with the Hosachiguru team for any requirements – vis-à-vis legal documents, payment updates, and doorstep delivery of fresh veggies. 
  • Technological interventions based on remote sensing, unmanned aerial surveying, soil sensors, moisture updates, etc., permit the ground team at Hosachiguru-managed farmlands to gather, visualize and assess crop and soil health conditions at different stages and pave the pathway to convenient and cost-effective approaches to farming with real-time Insights.

Conclusion

Hosachiguru-managed farmland

gives an urbanite a chance to go back to their roots and garner a wealth of experiences. These green assets will bridge the gap of meeting the needs of a family and also create an alternative lifestyle of peace, fun, and tranquility for urbanites – truly making it the safe green haven for which they have been craving in the concrete jungle. With managed farmlands, an individual shall certainly experience freedom from worry and anxiety and attain a sense of calmness, comfort, contentment, happiness, and pleasure. Owning a managed farm is a great way to get involved in agriculture and benefit from the land without the hassle of full-time ownership.

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it” – Robert Swan

We all know that modern living can be quite stressful – from working overtime at our jobs, the pollution and hassles of city life, to paying expensive rent, high expenditures and the luxuries in cities that no longer excite us. At this juncture, we would have thought about how wonderful it would be to escape the city hassles and take a step back and return to our roots. Living off the grid or even getting recharged for a brief period is an empowering lifestyle. By living off the grid one can enjoy an independent and sustainable life while moving away from the common utilities that can keep one chained down. Now let us discuss five important reasons why one should have a farmland or live off the grid.

• Is Farmland the real Gold? Do farmlands appreciate?

It took the world over 1800 years to touch 1 Billion in population. But did you know we have added over a billion in the last 12 years. Where are we headed?

It’s just not population growth, the average life of a person has increased drastically and so is their consumption. The per capita consumption of an Indian has gone up 100% over the last 20 years. In the previous generation if a family could have built their home when they were in their 40s then it was a big achievement. Today people in their 20s are buying real estate and the levels of incomes have drastically gone up and people are having multiple investments in this particular sector. Land cannot be manufactured and it is limited in supply. Owning a yielding asset is just not an investment for yourself but for your family and generations to come. After considering all the above statistics one can surely say that farmland is one of the most valuable and demanding assets today and is worth investing in for a secure future.

• Creating a regenerative food forest – farm to fork

The Farm to Fork model implies that the food on your fork comes directly from the land where it was produced. Having farmland also provides a unique opportunity to grow sustainable food forests and help conserve biodiversity and acquire healthy food. Once a food forest is set up, the vegetation is for generations to come which aids in improving the flora and fauna around the region. Building a sustainable food forest requires immense knowledge about the landscape, ecology, resources available, and a lot of passion. There are two ways to do this – Do it yourselves – Learn about permaculture, and natural farming techniques, and volunteer yourself with farmers practicing this before. The other alternative is to buy a managed farmland that is pursuing permaculture and providing an avenue for people to own this asset class and charge a fee for managing it.

• Calm weekends amidst nature:

Having a house off-grid provides a unique opportunity to get away from the hassles of city life and dwell in the lap of nature. We reproduce bio-diversity amongst picturesque hillside views, create a part of your land into a wild zone where bees, native migratory birds and other farm animals can live in harmony. Living off the grid in your farmland can provide all these pleasures and satisfaction. In a time like this, there’s nothing quite like a destination to cool off with your family, far away from the sound and fury of the city and yet accessible enough.

• Reduce your carbon footprint:

Did you know that to offset your carbon footprint you need to grow and maintain 400 fully grown trees? Cement and buildings have a huge carbon footprint. By having a house that is sustainably built in farmland, you are taking the first step towards this goal. Here you can grow dense agroforests in your land. Creating a sustainable environment to enhance the ecosystem is the need of the hour! By creating huge food forests, mitigates the effect of global warming by producing more oxygen and eventually leads to restoring biodiversity. We believe in – grow local and eat local organic produce for holistic living. Sticking to foods that are grown locally, in your city or surrounding area, helps to reduce the carbon footprint created by shipping foods from elsewhere.

Investing in assets that can serve multiple purposes is less risky as compared to specialised investments. Some assets add financial value, some add material value and some hold sentimental value, owning farmland does all the above and even more. Managed farmlands have the potential to generate competitive financial returns with positive environmental and social impacts. Thereupon, it is an asset for generations to come which allows you to invest in a greener future for a cleaner tomorrow.

As it is rightfully said “Sometimes you must go off the grid and get your soul right”, we surely should think of investing in having a home that is off the grid and can provide you with intangible and palpable happiness.

Become a co-farmer to know more about owning your second home that is off the grid.

Buy land, they aren’t making anymore of it. – Mark Twain

Buying the land is a momentous occasion for anyone. It doesn’t matter whether it is a residential plot or an agricultural land, acquiring land has always been an auspicious and joyous occasion. A piece of land signifies new beginnings, a resource to support life, a real and physical asset like no other and a legacy for generations to come. While land is one of the best resources one can acquire, it is also one which tends to be daunting and needs some careful fact-checking. Some of the stumbling blocks for most of us are – how to choose the right piece of land, how to ensure that the documents are genuine and valid, how to trust the seller and how to ensure that the purchase is secure for years to come. 

There are a bunch of companies that offers the best services but making a  decision can be extremely challenging and overwhelming. There are many factors that need to be checked and verified before purchasing the land irrespective of the developer. 

Identify the right entity to deal with:

A bit of online effort can go a long way as a lot of information can be found on the internet. It is always recommended to try and find more information about the founders or directors of the firm you are purchasing the land from and try connecting with them if they are on LinkedIn. Take a look at the company’s website and verify if the content is original or is it just stock photos and fancy content. Hence verifying the information mentioned on websites, social media pages and other platforms is an effective way to get a true picture about the company and the work it does. Try and look for actual photos of the property. One should see a live preview of the upcoming and the completed properties.

 Online Reviews (The Biggest fad):

People think that the easiest way to establish a company’s credentials is by checking for the reviews online and checking what other people are saying about the company. Many times 90% of the reviews will not be genuine and may include paid and fake reviews. In case of fake companies it can be easily made out by checking the profile of people who have reviewed them. Online reputation management has become a big business and companies pay to have good reviews written about them and bad reviews hidden or camouflaged . ook on websites such as mouthshut.com, glassdoor.in and others as they typically have a lot of negative reviews which can help one get a good indication about the company or the brand. Look for live testimonials, video perhaps with real customers and not models.

 Selling the same land to multiple customers:

This is one of the most common issues that people face while buying real estate and it’s often realized after a couple of years. Here, the firm sells the same land to multiple customers by providing them with information and documents of a neighboring land. In many cases a booking amount of 10% is taken by 20 customers for the same land and the customer is also ok to wait for a long period as he has only paid a few lakhs and is in the hope that his land is secured for him. Don’t fall into this trap. In karnataka you can use the Dishank app to exactly locate the survey nos of the land when you visit the property. Most times you see a nice parcel of land and you’re registered in the neighborhood which is barren and bad.  Unfortunately, fly-by-night operators and shady companies have hoodwinked many people using this method. To ensure that this does not happen with you check if the layout is mapped onto Google Earth / Google Maps or do they have a real time booking sheet. Hiring a lawyer to verify all the legal documents like 7/12 uttara can help establish the true ownership of the land and avoid any scams and legal issues in future. First verify the survey numbers and the RTC.

 Make a site visit:

Visiting sites can help buyers to be reassured if the property claims are as it is as promised by the developers. It helps the investors to know more about the actual arrangement of the property and also keep a check if there’s any divergence from the actual promised claims. Believing what one sees is our basic temperament but as owning a property involves a huge amount of money to be invested, one must assess the property very vigilantly before the actual purchase. Also it is recommended to do a surprise visit and speak to people who live next to or nearby the property that you intend to purchase. This will help to get actual and real time information about the land as sometimes owners share false information or hide crucial information. 

 Asses company strength and management:

Verifying the authenticity of the company from where you intend to purchase the land is the most important step before the actual purchase. Try and visit multiple properties from the same company to see how they are being managed.  In the case of agriculture, a lot of care and diligence needs to be maintained. Especially with farmlands, the on-ground teams become vital. Here, the staff has to be passionate, knowledgeable and trained about the work they do. It is also recommended to enquire about the number of people managing a certain farm. Checking certain things like whether there are agronomists and project managers assigned, is the team strength sufficient for the size of the property and what are their views about the company would provide an actual picture of the organization.

Farmlands are completely different from other real estate:

Farmlands pose challenges that may not be apparent at the outset but create many hurdles at later stages. Many issues that are not associated with normal land purchase  like identifying resources of water, good soil, labour, Irrigation & mechanization systems, etc come into picture here. Generally, It is very easy to show calculations on an excel sheet about how much return can be expected from a certain crop, but doing it in reality is another story. Unlike other businesses, farming is not an input vs output kind of concept as you are dealing with nature and there are no absolutes. All the success stories we hear about farming is just perhaps a minuscule portion of the community while the failures are a million times more. As farmlands have such a unique set of challenges and is a long term investment asset, doing background checks and getting thorough about all the legal procedures become very important and should be performed with utmost care. 

With the human population on the rise, there will always be a need for farm derived resources like food and timber. Owning a farm also facilitates a getaway from city life even if just for a day or two. It is a getaway from all the noise, pollution and dust – as a way to detox via breathing in clean air, quiet surroundings amongst nature and eating organic fruits and vegetables. These benefits of health and well-being are not something that can be calculated, rather these are essential and priceless to all. 

Growing a food forest or owning farmland is not like owning just another asset. It’s a family legacy and your memories on the farmland are priceless. Make sure you choose the right partner. Returns are important.. But remember capital and your money earned is more important. Preserve the capital and enjoy the farm life, returns will automatically come.  There is no better return than Peace of mind and waking up to those chirping birds.

Let us break it down for you. According to Google, ROI has a simple definition — a calculation of the monetary value of an investment versus its cost. However, Hosachiguru has a fresh and futuristic connotation of investment and returns altogether.

It is not only about monetary gains but something that cannot be measured by money or capital. Maybe you are skeptical about this farmland venture with Hosachiguru, but these returns have so much more to offer than just materialistic wealth. This is an investment that will always grow and will never stop benefiting you. There is no end maturity cap. From the moment you decide to invest until the end of your lifetime, and even after that, this green asset will continue to fetch returns for your kids and grandkids. These returns come in the form of security, a safe, eternal source of food, experience, and lessons that cannot be learned and actioned in the castles of the concrete jungle. Together, the returns from this green asset prepare you and your kids for a fulfilling life ahead.  

We do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides because we do not aim to produce crops by barely keeping the land alive. Instead, we ensure that the belts of the Earth are enriched from within to withstand timely changes and produce healthy yields not just for now but also for the future. We bring to the table an ideal balance of modern technologies, traditional methods, and principles borrowed from nature itself to build and maintain these green assets. This aids us in nourishing even the deepest layers, which produces healthier and safer yields. With the assistance of a team of experts and principles pronounced by nature, Hosachiguru has managed to originate a leading-edge asset for our co-farmers. 

Likewise, even from an economic standpoint, farmlands are a durable and consistent investment with only upward growth potential. These factors create a compelling case for the inclusion of the asset class in a diversified investment portfolio. 

Growth in recent years has transformed thousands of hectares of arable land in the region into industrial and residential plots for glass-and-steel high-rises, resulting in high carbon output and land degradation due to the lack of moisture and nurturing of the land. In contrast, farmlands are capable of meeting these environmental challenges and mitigating their negative consequences.   

Given the soil degradation, experts estimate that food production will go down by 40% in 20 years, and we know for a fact, that growing populations and incomes are only leading to a higher intake of food. It is estimated that we will need to produce at least twice the food production today in 25 years to meet the growing demands. Owning a sustainable food forest can be the best thing you can do for your family and the Earth.

With the increase in population, the need and demand for food is also rising. Hence, heavy quantities of chemical fertilizers are applied to meet these needs. Hosachiguru farmlands are a viable option for tackling long-term problems. By shifting from basic farming to more efficient, sustainable, and productive farming methods, we can avoid compromising the nutritional value of produce whilst meeting future requirements.

As per FAO, the amount of nutrition obtained by consuming 1 orange in 1990 is equivalent to consuming 20 oranges today due to chemical farming and the hybrid varieties. Growing native varieties of food are not just nutritious but also ensures that soil can be productive for generations to come.

Hosachiguru’s managed farmlands are catering to the needs of the present while building safe, authentically natural resources for the future. Owning even a quarter of the cropland will contribute more than 150 trees, each with the capacity to yield safe, secure food for future generations.

Are you still wondering about your returns for farmland investment? Think again.

Author: Sneha Gautam

Just about everyone has grown up listening to the importance of taking care of the environment. The green living movement, and a few other noteworthy causes are gaining positive momentum in the world right now. You might be wondering why green living has become so vital in today’s world. Why has this become the elephant of every room and every conversation? 

Well, the hard truth is that the earth is deteriorating in more ways than one. In order to set it right and restore the balance of natural life and events, we need to take the initiative and alter our lifestyles, even just a tad bit, to support the planet’s health and create a better space for future generations. There are many ways by which this can be achieved. However, keep in mind that injecting more toxins into the Earth, in the name of restoration, is not going to  take us very far. It might fetch short-term results which might appear to be promising solutions but we have to think about restoring the beauty and health of this planet by natural means in the long run. 

The actual meaning of green living is to live in a way that is favorable to the planet and does not harm, or use up any of its resources excessively. This approach is all about caring for the planet and taking the initiative to set things right. At present, we are rapidly using the planet’s resources, only to make our personal lives better. Instead, imagine a combined system where we can accommodate the needs of both nature and humans –  one natural system, designed the way it was meant to be, where both the systems support each other instead of fighting. 

Greening life is a premier concept by Hosachiguru Managed Farmlands. An eco-conscious lifestyle centered on your daily lives and the way people express themselves as they live, work, and play green. We offer a lifestyle that caters to human needs and emotions without disrupting the laws of nature. We strive to enhance natural growth while empowering individuals to make a difference in our environment. An approach with an apt mix of modern and traditional methods. Through this new, secure, green asset, called managed farmlands, we are redefining the meaning of investment and happiness. This concept is designed to inspire people with new ideas and resources to lead them to a more sustainable life.

We are putting our best foot forward to create an ecosystem where people tend to farmlands, live, work and play sustainably, thereby leaving a greener world for future generations. To summarize, everything boils down to one simple ethos at Hosachiguru ~ Nature shouldn’t be a place to visit. It is home.

Hosachiguru’s Revamped Approach Towards Greening Life

Author: Sneha Gautam

Hosachiguru, an agricultural asset management company is announcing a radical rebranding to reflect the company’s evolution into an all-encompassing agricultural land management fraternity. 

In recent years the green economy has become the alternate vision for growth and development across the globe; one that can generate economic improvements in people’s lives that are also consistent with advancing environmental and social well-being for all. With increasing health and ecological issues, people are now opting for sustainable and progressive options such as farmlands. With the changing scenario, it is more important than ever to adopt a green lifestyle.  

Urban dwellers down the ages have taken inspiration from nature, and have appreciated the scraps of green space when compared to concrete and brick jungles. However, it is no secret that, in an increasingly urbanized world, people’s access to nature is dwindling. As time has passed people realize the importance of connecting back to their roots. An uprising shift in the mindset of urbanites can be seen. They are actively making more economical choices that can help them resolve these issues. Farmlands enable all the urban dwellers in contributing to the environment whilst also satisfying their need for living a safer, organic life away from city pollution, noise, and spending quality time with family away from cubicles and alarm stress. Hosachiguru understands how to green the world’s urban spaces the right way which can boost human well-being, and be a boon for the biodiversity we all depend on.

Hosachiguru is officially greening the Earth and there is doubt about it. It is a company built by eco enthusiasts for eco enthusiasts. In recent years the company has experienced a remarkable rise in people’s interest in managed farmland and complexity with a need to execute a more streamlined customer-centric approach and strategy across multiple channels with top-notch farming methods, and real-time technology using disparate data with a coordinated approach to sustainability and creativity. 

If we are to maximize the benefits of nature for the world’s legion of nature-deprived city dwellers, we need to know exactly how they work. Here, too, there appears to be no simple answer. With numerous factors involved this becomes a challenging task.  Hosachiguru has always been known for its unmatched production, services, and chosen settings. With efficient and effective usage of resources, the company is deemed to be the most trusted farmland partner in the fraternity by its clients and associates. 

“Our vision is to methodically build out farmlands and manage resources, assets, and capabilities to address this acute need in one place with flair and eminence without disregarding the principles of nature. We’ve put together the deepest and richest end-to-end solutions and set them in place to manage the intricacies of farming, technology, data, strategy, and creativity to nurture nature and provide our co farmers with a wholesome farm life experience with fruitful yields. With this launch we are now unifying all these assets behind a clear, clean revitalized brand,” says management. The new brand will pronounce what the company stands for and captures the true essence of the Hosachiguru ethos. The revamped brand value is giving new meaning to terminologies such as ‘Earth-care, Farming, Wealth, Cherish, Investment.

We are diligently working towards aligning life with nature by building healthier ecosystems and encouraging people to live a holistic lifestyle. With proficiency to make connections that bond people amongst themselves and to nature and in doing so we enrich human and as well environmental values. After meticulous research, planning, survey, and analysis the consolidation of results provides reimagined Hosachiguru with added strengths and gumption that allows the company to put its best foot forward and enable the people associated with the company to gain a wealth of experience. For us, it is not just about the number of acres or of these green spaces, it’s about the quality of those spaces which will contribute to the fundamental principle of permaculture that is a fair share.

The rebranding includes a top-to-bottom redesign of the company’s website, logo, graphics, communications, and correspondence. Hosachiguru’s new brand assets include a simplified, green, and brown logo, along with a new tagline and other visual communications that utilize minimalistic, elegant graphics to convey the emotions of the brand. 

About Hosachiguru Pvt. Ltd. 

A vision turned into reality by eco enthusiasts for eco enthusiasts. Hosachiguru is a leading farmland management company. With 750 and counting customers and more than 20  thriving delivered projects.

A  homegrown yet rooted company that combines an exceptional passion for agriculture with a professional pursuit to revolutionize farmland management for all those with green hearts. They walk the talk by valuing traditional methods without disregarding modern techniques. The vision is to enable and encourage individuals from all walks of life to make farming and greening a part of their lives. Hosachiguru is determined to passionately create flourishing ecosystems where individuals of all age groups can come together and cherish the treasures of nature. Hosachiguru recognizes the magic of making memories amidst nature. 

Agroforestry is a low-cost method of integrated land management where trees are cultivated along with cash crops. Cultivating trees in combination with crops and cattle is an ancient traditional practice across South-east Asia. In India, the practice of growing sacred trees scattered across farms is an age-old practice. Most efforts in agroforestry have been focused on the biophysical benefits of enhancing the environment. Hosachiguru farms revive agroforestry by spotlighting both its biophysical and socio-economic benefits to the community.

A 2017 report by the World Wildlife Fund and the Planning Commission of India, projected a severe shortage of timber supply in India from both domestic and international sources by 2020. Moreover, India is the third largest importer of illegally logged timber (after China and Vietnam), contributing to 9.4% of the total illegal timber import in the world (Gan, et al., 2016). With fertile land, tropical climate, and appropriate irrigation techniques, agroforestry can promote an ‘Atmanirbhar’ Indian timber supply chain, reducing the requirement for timber imports while supporting local economies of scale. Annually, India consumes an estimated 69 million cum* of timber (Shrivastava & Saxena, 2017). To cater to the rising demand of timber and forest produce, India needs to make sustainable use of its underutilised and unproductive wastelands by developing them into cultivable agroforest systems. Agroforestry will not only improve the productivity of timber in India but will also protect forests from deterioration by anthropogenic factors, such as illegal logging, encroachment and climate change.

Agroforestry model works on the principle of interaction between two systems (forests and agriculture) and the effect of one on the other. Agroforestry can be broadly classified into two types:

Simultaneous systems, where trees and crops are grown together in distinct spatial arrangements. Eg: Trees on cropland or trees intercropped with seasonal crops.

1. Sequential systems, where trees and crops are grown in rotation. Eg: crop harvest followed by tree harvests (grown alternately).

Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) is an internationally popular mechanism that encourages landowners or farmers to plant trees on their agricultural land. PES is a scheme employed by several international governments to increase green cover. It is a market-based approach to improve environmental management of agricultural lands that provides monetary compensation to land stewards for ecosystem conservation. (Milder, et al., 2010). In essence it is a scheme that pays ‘cash for conservation’. Most PES budgets are a drain on government resources and funds. Latin American countries like Costa Rica, Brazil & Ecuador have seen great success with PES, alleviating poverty and expanding green cover (UNDP, 2020). At Hosachiguru, we have developed a holistic approach that is fundamentally aligned with the motivation behind PES, but we support an increase in green cover which is highly profitable and triggers a cascade of socio-economic benefits for the whole community.

Biophysical Benefits of Agro forestry

The controlled interaction between the forest and agriculture systems creates conditions that are mutually favourable. The benefits from these interactions include:

• Improved Soil Fertility: Chemical soil fertility is improved as the agroforestry model increases the bioavailability of essential nutrients in the soil. Physical and Biological fertility is improved as the soil structure and water holding capacity increases.

Chemical Soil Fertility

Carbon	Trees and crops create an active pool of Soil Organic Matter (SOM) through litter, root turnover, tree pruning & crop residues
Nitrogen	Intercropping increases, soil nitrogen by increasing nitrogen fixation, deep soil nitrogen capture and reduced leaching
Phosphorous	Aids in the critical transformation of inorganic-P to absorbable organic-P
Ca, Mg, K (Cations) & Al	Cations are relocated in the soil profile and Al is detoxified by organic acids.

Source: Adapted from Rao, et. al., 1998

• Reduced levels of Soil Erosion: Strong & deep-rooted trees bind soil, increase its porosity, store soil moisture and reduce run-off and leaching.
• Increased Nutrient Cycling of organic matter and nutrients (N, P, K, Ca)
• Higher Crop Yields: As a result of increased nutrient availability, crop yield is higher
• Induces Favourable Micro-climate conditions: Tree canopies provide shade, reduced soil and air temperature and intercept and re-distribute rainfall (Rao, et al., 1998).
• Reduced Competition: Agroforestry induces sharing of growth resources such as light, water and soil nutrients.
• Increased soil microbial biodiversity: Micro-flora and fauna populations increase along with rhizobial microbes that help in nitrogen fixing.
• Watershed protection: Agroforestry model ensures higher soil water retention capacity and increases the water table by refilling aquifers.

Hosachiguru’s agroforestry model is managed and operated by our agronomy experts who carefully select trees and crops that are complementary rather than competitive.  The deep-root system of trees creates little to no interference with the shallow root systems of crops and therefore the agroforestry model in itself favours polyculture of different species.

Socio-economic Benefits of Agroforestry

The National Agricultural Policy (2000) notes that ‘Agriculture has become a relatively unrewarding profession due to generally unfavourable price regime and low value addition’, which has caused a spike in migration to urban centres in India. Hosachiguru, makes agriculture an enticing opportunity and creates value addition through the revival of agroforestry. The large scale of operations lowers the set-up cost, as we cross-leverage resources between several projects, improving resource efficiency. Cross-leveraging of resources also allows our operations to function in the most environmentally sustainable manner.

Hosachiguru agro-farms also support local economies by creating jobs for marginalised rural communities and building a supply chain of product delivery (timber, fruits, vegetables, crops). Socio-economic conditions of the rural populations have seen a positive impact from our operations. The biophysical benefits of agroforestry significantly reduce the chances of crop failure. The primary advantage of agroforestry is the economic benefits it provides.

Agroforests as Carbon Sinks: Agroforestry systems have been identified as high potential carbon sinks and have the capacity to drastically alter local climate. Their ability to sequester carbon, positions them to be a critical climate change mitigation strategy for India. It has been found that in tropical regions, small scale argo-farms can sequester (capture) 1.5-3.5 MgCha^-1yr^-1(Roshetko, et al., 2007). Not only do they capture atmospheric carbon, they also store carbon in the accumulated biomass from leaf litter in soil humus. Agroforestry essentially offsets the carbon footprint of operating a community scale managed farmland. In the future, the majority of carbon sequestration will happen through agroforests as much of the available arable land in India is being cultivated.

Green Gold: As economies across the world are coping with the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, timber is outshining even the traditional gold and silver values. Previously, considered as a low-income investment, timber today has almost doubled in its value. The new work-from-home lifestyle has skyrocketed furniture sales as we redesign our home offices. Timber is a time-tested sustainable asset that has witnessed, a value growth rate higher than gold during the pandemic. Cultivating timber or ‘Green Gold’ has been native to the Indian-subcontinent. However, as timber resources are dwindling, future projections reveal that timber assets will support additional wealth creation opportunities.
https://youtu.be/FwVylHLf63g

The Green India Mission, under its 2008 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) aims to restore 6Mha** of degraded forest land (Government of India, 2008; Pandve, H T., 2009). Agriculture and food production have been identified as the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather fluctuations. NAPCC has recommended ‘agroforestry’ as a mechanism to develop climate resilient crops. Hosachiguru is pioneering the revival of agroforestry, creating a unique opportunity for our customers to support India’s green economy while reaping the benefits of sustainable agriculture.

*cum: cubic metres

**Mha- Million Hectares

References

Gan, J. et al., 2016. Chapter 3: Quantifying Illegal Logging and Related Timber Trade. In: D. Kleinschmit, S. Mansourian, C. Wildburger & A. Purret, eds. Illegal Logging and related timber trade- Dimensions, Drivers, Impacts and rResponses.. s.l.:IUFRO World Series 35, pp. 37-60.

Shrivastava , S. & Saxena, A. K., 2017. Wood is Good: But is India doing enough to meet its present and future needs?, s.l.: Centre for Science and Environment.

Rao, M. R., Nair, P. K. R. & Ong, C. K., 1998. Biophysical interactions in tropical agroforestry systems. Agroforestry Systems, Volume 38, pp. 3-50.

Roshetko, J. M., Lasco, R. D. & Angeles, M. S. D., 2007. Small holder agroforestry systems for carbon storage. Mitigation and adaptation strategies for Global change, Volume 12, pp. 219-242.

Puri, S. & Nair, P. K. R., 2004. Agroforestry research for development in India: 25 years of experience of a national program. Agroforestry Systems, Volume 61, pp. 437-452.

Milder, J. C., Scherr, S. J. & Bracer, C., 2010. Trends and Future Potential of Payment for Ecosystem Services to Alleviate Rural Poverty in Developing Countries. Ecology and Society, 15(2), pp. 1-19.

UNDP, 2020. Financing solutions for Sustainable Development. [Online]
Available at: https://www.sdfinance.undp.org/content/sdfinance/en/home/solutions/payments-for-ecosystem-services.html#mst-5
[Accessed 6 August 2020].

Pandve, H. T., 2009. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change. Indian Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine, 13(1), pp. 17-19.

Government of India, 2008. National Action Plan on Climate Change, New Delhi: Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change.