ZERO HUNGER

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

World Sparrow Day is an international event that takes place annually on March 20th to bring attention to the decline of sparrow populations globally. The day aims to emphasize the significance of comprehending the role of sparrows in the ecosystem and the dire consequences of their eradication, as exemplified by the Great Sparrow Campaign in China. One of the goals of this event is to raise awareness about the present-day challenges faced by sparrows, which include habitat destruction, pollution, and scarcity of food. By highlighting these issues, the aim is to inspire individuals to take action toward the conservation of sparrows and their habitats. Since its inception in 2010, the initiative has expanded to encompass all countries to motivate individuals to take action, to safeguard these small but crucial creatures that contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

Great Sparrow Campaign 

The Great Sparrow Campaign was a movement in China during the late 1950s and early 1960s to eradicate sparrows, which were considered pests by the Communist Party. The campaign encouraged citizens to kill sparrows by any means necessary, including shooting, trapping, and destroying nests.

The idea was that sparrows ate grains, and their eradication would lead to an increase in crop yields and help feed the growing population. However, this turned out to be a grave mistake, as sparrows also ate insects, including locusts, which were a threat to crops. As the sparrows disappeared, insect populations exploded, causing massive damage. The harvest was destroyed, and a famine ensued, leading to the deaths of millions of people. The Great Sparrow Campaign was eventually abandoned, but the damage had already been done.

The campaign serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of human actions and the importance of understanding ecosystems before attempting to alter them.

Reasons for Decline in Sparrow Population in the Modern World

• Lack of Nesting Spaces
  • The dwindling population of sparrows is a cause of concern for many conservationists, and several factors contribute to this trend. One of the most critical factors is the absence of nesting spaces for sparrows. As urbanization and development continue, natural nesting sites are becoming increasingly rare, leading to a decline in the sparrow population. Additionally, with the loss of natural habitats, food and water are becoming increasingly scarce, impacting the sparrow’s ability to survive.

• Effects of Chemical Agriculture on the Food Chain
  • Sparrow has historically been found living near the land, with easy access to food sources. However, the shrinking population of insects has reduced and restricted the supply of food for sparrows, leading to a decline in their numbers. This decline is further increased by the widespread use of insecticides and sprays in agriculture, which have a detrimental effect on insect populations and ultimately, on the sparrows who rely on them for sustenance. These methods lead to the eradication of insects in certain areas, making it difficult for sparrows to find the protein-rich food necessary to feed their chicks, which results in a further decline in their population. The combination of habitat loss and reduction in food availability has placed the sparrow population under significant pressure, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect and support these important species.

• Reduced Water Sources
  • Sparrows in urban areas are facing a decline due to reduced access to water sources. In the past, open spaces in urban areas provided natural water sources for sparrows, but modern closed structures like high-rise buildings and apartments do not provide such sources. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, poor health, and a decline in the ability to breed and survive. Additionally, air conditioning and closed windows further reduce the chances of sparrows finding water sources, leading to a decline in their population. Incorporating natural water sources in closed structures and keeping water bowls or bird baths in open spaces can help address this issue. To address this issue, urban planners and architects need to consider incorporating natural water sources in closed structures. This could include the installation of bird baths, fountains, and water bodies, which can provide a source of water for sparrows and other birds in urban areas. Furthermore, people can also contribute by keeping water bowls or bird baths in their balconies or open spaces. These small efforts can go a long way in helping to reverse the decline of sparrows in urban areas.

Permaculture-based managed Farmlands by Hosachiguru – A Haven for Sparrows 

Hosachiguru- managed farmland is implementing food forests as a means to create a favorable environment for sparrows. These forests consist of a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, and plants that furnish the sparrows with an assortment of food, such as berries, nuts, insects, and worms. The thick foliage of these forests provides ideal nesting spaces for the sparrows to breed and rear their offspring. Heirloom and open-pollinated seeds are the only seeds utilized, as they facilitate the native flora to adapt to the local weather and soil conditions, resulting in a stronger ecosystem. The native plants possess deep root systems that aid in the prevention of erosion and the conservation of water in the soil. This is beneficial for the growth of other plant species, which in turn creates essential habitats for sparrows and various other wildlife species.

Our commitment to preserving the water supply, which is essential for protecting the sparrows’ natural habitats, is demonstrated through the application of permaculture principles. This involves implementing strategies such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling to conserve natural water resources such as streams and wetlands. By employing these techniques, we aim to ensure that the water supply is utilized in a sustainable manner that promotes the long-term well-being of both the environment and the sparrows.

Mandala and vegetable gardens are an integral part of Hosachiguru’s efforts to make the land and the people living on it more sustainable and self-dependent. By encouraging people to grow their food and care for the land, we are promoting a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment. This ensures that sparrows and other wildlife have a safe and healthy place to live, grow, and thrive.

Conclusion

On Sparrow Day, lessons from the past should be learned, and efforts should be made to promote sustainable farming practices, protect natural habitats, and preserve the delicate balance of the planet’s ecosystem.

Becoming a co-farmer at Hosachiguru presents a unique opportunity to not just cultivate your food but also to contribute towards conserving the sparrow population. By growing food forests and building a sustainable habitat, you can create an ideal environment for sparrows to thrive alongside your crops. Furthermore, as a Co-farmer, you will have access to Hosachiguru’s expertise in permaculture farming techniques that focus on environmental sustainability and water conservation. By embracing these techniques, you can create an ecosystem that supports the local flora and fauna, including the beloved sparrow.

So, if you are looking for an opportunity to connect with nature, relive old memories with sparrows, and make a meaningful impact on the environment, then investing in a managed farmland with Hosachiguru is the way to go. Join us today as a Co-farmer and contribute towards a sustainable future for yourself and our winged friends!

Author: Srinivas Abhilash

Agriculture has been vital for humans throughout history, providing essential resources like food and fiber. It has changed and adapted to meet new challenges as a society and the environment have changed. From early subsistence farming to modern chemical-based agriculture to sustainable permaculture, it has evolved to meet the needs of the growing population and address environmental challenges. Different approaches have emerged to balance people’s needs with the environment.

Monoculture and Industrialized Chemical-Based Farming 

Conventional and modern agriculture is a type of agriculture that emphasizes monoculture. It includes clearing large pockets of land to grow single species of crops, such as corn, wheat, or rice. It supports using synthetic inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified seeds to maximize food production and generate profits.

Permaculture -A Design system

Permaculture is a sustainable and holistic design system that uses natural resources and traditional knowledge to create a self-sufficient ecosystem. It observes and applies natural systems to human systems to achieve an adaptable, regenerative, and sustainable design. Permaculture offers an alternative to conventional practices for a more equitable and sustainable future. The Managed farmlands based on the permaculture principle design are agricultural systems that mimic the natural ecosystem for a diverse and self-sustaining system. This approach relies on crop rotation, companion planting, and natural predators to manage pests, leading to minimizing external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.

Monoculture and World War

Monoculture originated during World War II and the post-war era when food production became a priority for many countries. Large-scale agriculture prioritized efficiency over biodiversity and was adopted globally to address food security and population growth. The Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s accelerated monoculture with new technologies. However, monocultures’ adverse environmental and social effects have led to the development of alternative methods like permaculture, which promote more sustainable land use.

Industrialized Agricultural Practices and Chemical Weapons

Industrialized agriculture practices and chemical weapons have a strong connection. Chemical weapons, such as mustard gas and nerve agents, were developed and used in World War I and II. After the war, these destructive practices were repurposed for civilian use in agriculture. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides were developed from the same chemicals used in chemical weapons, and their widespread adoption in agriculture during the Green Revolution allowed for greater efficiency and yields in food production. However, the use of these chemicals has led to negative impacts on the environment and human health, including soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to wildlife. As a result, more sustainable methods, such as organic and permaculture agriculture, are being promoted as alternatives to industrial agriculture practices.

Drawbacks of Monoculture

• Loss of Biodiversity
• Increased pest and disease susceptibility
• Soil degradation and depletion
• Increased use of pesticides and fertilizers
• Decreased resilience to environmental changes and extreme weather events
• Lower crop yields in the long term
• Reduced genetic diversity among crops

Monoculture and chemical-based farming methods have detrimental effects on our food supply. They strip the land of nutrients, contaminate soil and water, and harm beneficial insects and microorganisms. Embracing sustainable farming practices using permaculture principles can conserve resources, maintain soil health, and create habitats for diverse wildlife.

Permaculture

It was developed in the 1970s by two Australians, Bill Mollison, and David Holmgren. The goal was to create a design-based approach to permanent agriculture, which could support cultures that endure and thrive for generations. At its heart are three simple principles:

• Planet Care -Care for the planet 
• People Care -Care for people 
• Fair share 

Permaculture emphasizes agroecological practices, biodiversity, and community self-reliance. It is rooted in observations of natural systems, traditional farming practices, and modern science and technology. The aim is to create self-sustaining and regenerative systems that promote food security, environmental health, and community resilience. Permaculture can be applied to almost any location and is a low-energy way to grow abundant food. Conscious consumers looking for long-term sustainable investments can identify permaculture based managed farm land near Bangalore.

A property designed with permaculture principles is considered ethical, energy efficient, and has integrated components adapted to natural forces and resilient in nature. Hosachiguru-managed farm land follows permaculture principles, adopt and implements sustainable practices, manages risk, maximizes productivity, and reduces operational costs.

The 12 permaculture principles that can give us pointers toward living a sustainable life are:

1. Observe and interact
   • It emphasizes the importance of thoroughly observing and understanding the natural systems and patterns in a given environment before taking an action. Bertrand Russell once said, “facts have to be discovered by observation, not by reasoning.” By doing so, one can design human settlements and food production systems that work in harmony with the environment. At Managed farmlands by Hosachiguru, land, and activities on it are observed to understand the topography, climate, and changing directions of wind, and sun
2. Catch and store energy
   • Sunlight, water, and wind are renewable sources. When in abundance should be conserved for future use. Drawing parallels from the proverb “make hay while the sun shines”, this principle encourages the creation of closed-loop and self-sustaining systems that can function with minimal outside inputs. Mandala gardens at Hosachigru’s managed farmlands are an excellent application of this principle. It is curated in concentric circles and allows wind and sun energy to be captured efficiently and stored.
3. Obtain a yield
   • This principle involves using the resources and systems established through the first two principles to produce food, materials, and other resources for human use. It is about identifying a balance between meeting human needs and maintaining the health and stability of the natural systems that support us.
4. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback
   • This principle refers to taking responsibility for our impact on the environment and communities, monitoring our systems, and being willing to make adjustments for sustainability. By accepting feedback from others and our own observations, you can learn from mistakes and improve. Hosachiguru’s managed farmlands are consistently evolving based on land observations and farmers’ feedback.
5. Use and value renewable resources and services
   • • It emphasizes the importance of relying on natural resources that can be replenished, like wind, sunlight, and water. By designing our systems to make the most of renewable resources and valuing the services that natural systems provide, you can work in harmony with nature to create more sustainable communities. Land and water management practices such as swales, bioswales, and staggered trenches, are instilled right from the beginning at Hosachiguru’s managed farmland to use and reuse natural resources.
6. Produce no waste
   • It refers to the design of closed-loop systems where waste becomes a resource. Composting food scraps, filtering and reusing greywater, and choosing reusable, and recyclable products to reduce waste. By doing so, you can minimize the impact on the environment and create more sustainable communities that work in harmony with the natural world
7. Design from patterns to details
   • This reminds us to first understand the patterns and relationships within a system before designing the details. This approach helps us create more integrated and sustainable designs that work in harmony with the natural and social systems around us.
     1. For example, while designing a garden, you might first observe the natural patterns of sun and shade, water flow, and wind direction. By understanding these patterns, you can then design the details of the garden, such as the location of plants, pathways, and water catchment systems, to work with the natural patterns of the landscape.
8. Integrate rather than segregate
   • This encourages creating connections and relationships between different elements within a system, whether it’s a garden or a community. By doing so, you can create more diverse, resilient, and productive systems that work in harmony with the natural and social systems around us.
     1. For example, chickens in the garden will help control pests and fertilize the soil, while bees pollinate the flowers, and plants provide food and shelter for both.
9. Use small and slow solutions
   • It encourages taking a gradual and sustainable approach to problem-solving and design. By starting small, observing the results, and taking the time to understand natural and social systems, you can create more effective and lasting solutions that work in harmony with the world around us.
     1. For example, rather than attempting to transform an entire landscape all at once, we might start with a small plot of land and experiment with different permaculture techniques, such as soil building or companion planting.
10. Use and value diversity
    • It recognizes the importance of diversity in creating resilient and sustainable systems. By valuing and promoting diversity you can create more adaptable, productive, and sustainable communities.
      1. Planting diverse crops in a garden or a farm plot promotes biodiversity. The syntropic plantation process is followed at Hosachiguru’s managed farmlands which offer the Co-Farmers varied yields at various times of the year. The diverse plantations also increase microbial diversity to ensure good soil health.
11. Use edges and value the marginal
    • This principle encourages you to find opportunities in the boundaries and margins of a farm plot/garden. It involves creating diverse habitats in edge zones, with resources that are often overlooked or undervalued, such as weeds or waste materials.
      1. All farm plots at Hosachiguru are defined with diverse and productive edge zones as borders. It involves planting a mix of sun-loving and shade-tolerant plants together with medicinal plants as a part of garden design.
12. Creatively use and respond to change
    • It is about embracing change as an opportunity for innovation and adaptation to stay open to new ideas and willing to experiment and learn from mistakes.
      1. By embracing change and responding creatively, more resilient and adaptable systems are created that can thrive even in the face of uncertainty and upheaval.
      2. For example, adjust rainwater harvesting systems in response to changing rainfall patterns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while monoculture and permaculture represent two very different approaches to farming and land management, the choice between them is not simply a matter of personal preference or ideology. Monoculture may offer the potential for high yields in the short term, but it comes with a range of negative environmental and social impacts that can have long-lasting consequences.

On the contrary, permaculture emphasizes diversity, resilience, and working in harmony with natural systems. While it may require more upfront planning and investment, permaculture offers a more sustainable and holistic approach to land management that can benefit both people and the planet in the long term.

Ultimately, the choice between monoculture and permaculture is one that we all must make as individuals, communities, and societies – and it is a choice that will have profound implications for our future well-being and that of the planet.

Author – Srinivas Abhilash

Mandala Garden – Grow More with Less

Gardens are a great way to create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space and bring people together. Let it be to grow your food, create a peaceful retreat, or add some greenery to your neighborhood. A beautiful, well-designed garden is an answer to all the above. Designing a garden can be an exciting and rewarding process. But it can also be overwhelming, especially to a novice. One of the biggest hurdles is imagining the space differently than it is. Most people build their designs on the shape of their plots but often fail to get the best results because property lines are never the basis of great design. However, with planning and research, anyone can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

From choosing the right plants to figuring out the best layout, there are many factors to consider when designing a garden. At Hosachiguru, in-house farm experts are available to guide you in designing not only your farm plot but also custom garden landscapes such as mandala gardens. Every farm plot is customized based on the needs of a co-farmer and is designed accordingly. Having your food forest designed and grown in the most sustainable way is the world’s best reward for you and your family for generations to come.

The best way to work on kitchen gardens is to ignore the edges and start working with shapes in the middle. Find a pleasing combination and figure out how things flow and work together. Then fill in the edges with plants.

One of the captivating garden design concepts is the Mandala Garden, based on the geometric pattern that equates to the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism. Mandala patterns are geometric shapes laid out to create a pattern or symbol that traditionally represents the universe or the gateway to a spiritual journey. They are tools to meditate, relax, increase focus, and contemplate. Not only are mandala gardens visually stunning, but they also have a positive impact on mental well-being.

7th Permaculture Principle – Design from Patterns to Details 

The 7th Permaculture Principle, “Design from Patterns to Details,” states that when designing a garden or any land-based system, it’s essential to start by looking at the big picture and understanding the patterns in the landscape. It includes water flow, sun, shade movement, and human activity in the area. Once the big-picture patterns are understood, the designer can move on to the details of the design, such as selecting specific plants and arranging them in a way that complements the natural patterns of the landscape. The Mandala Garden design follows the principle of “Design from Patterns to Details” by starting with a central pattern or design and building outwards to create a cohesive and harmonious garden.

A mandala garden is a tropical design that is fast and easy to build. At Hosachiguru managed farmlands, permaculture principles, and sustainable practices are followed to increase biodiversity and create microclimates. Mandala gardens capture and retain water and reduce soil erosion. It is used to grow a wide variety of crops, depending on the climate and the specific goals that are well-suited to the local ecosystem and that can be developed in a sustainable and regenerative way. Common types of crops that can be grown in a mandala garden include

• Vegetables:  Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, beans, peas, carrots, beets, radishes, onions, garlic, and lettuce.
• Herbs: Basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, chives, and parsley
• Flowers: sunflowers, marigolds, zinnia, cosmos, and other flowers that attract pollinators.
• Root crops: yam, taro, beetroot, radishes, and many more

Reasons to create a Mandala Garden Design at Your Managed Farmland with Hosachiguru

 

To maximize the use of space: A mandala garden design makes the most of a small or irregularly-shaped space by creating a circular layout that maximizes the use of space.

To create a diverse ecosystem: The different zones of a mandala garden are used to create a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of plants and animals. It helps to promote biodiversity and create a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem.

To capture and retain water: The design of a mandala garden is such that it captures and retains water. Soil erosion gets reduced and makes the most of limited water resources.

To enhance microclimates: The different zones of a mandala garden are used to make the most of microclimates and to create a diverse range of growing conditions that can support a wide range of plants.

To promote beauty and harmony: A mandala garden design is used to create a beautiful and harmonious outdoor living space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

To create a garden for meditation: Meditation in a mandala garden promotes inner peace, self-discovery, and spiritual growth.

To incorporate permaculture principles: The mandala garden design incorporates principles emphasizing the use of natural systems to create sustainable and regenerative ecosystems.

Mandala gardens created, developed, and maintained at Sambhrama and Dhanvi farms by Hosachiguru, are one of the best ways to integrate sustainable and regenerative farming practices with a beautiful outdoor living space that can serve for gardening, meditation, and spiritual growth.

Mandala Garden – Sambhrama Farms and Dhanvi Farms

 

At Sambhrama and Dhanvi farms, a managed farmland by Hosachiguru consists of a patterned design and a garden with a footpath ratio that facilitates maximum productivity on any flat profile. The agronomists worked on the design process by understanding the natural patterns of the land, such as the flow of water and the movement of sun and shade. Then, using the mandala pattern as a guide, designers at Hosachiguru selected plants and arranged them in a way that complements the natural patterns of the landscape. The plants are chosen based on specific needs such as light and water requirements and are arranged to maximize their growth potential. The mandala garden has a central hub with a pattern radiating outwards like a wheel or a starburst. The primary intention of a mandala garden is to create a series of growing areas that are functional and beautiful.

 

Author – Srinivas Abhilash

Introduction

Food plays a critical role in our lives and is a cornerstone of our society; as citizens, we must prioritize it and its origins to cultivate a healthier and stronger nation of individuals. The source affects numerous factors, including our health, the environment, animal welfare, local economies, and cultural heritage. The consumer of the 21st century is interested in food consumption but not how it is grown. It is absurd, this perspective overlooks the broader implications of food choices. In the end, it is the user’s accountability that drives quality and efficiency.

India and Agrarian Distress

Farming is a profession of hope; to be a farmer means having faith in the future. Farmers, from time immemorial, have been the foundation of human civilization. Currently, farmers and the farming industry are facing numerous challenges globally. Demand for food continues to rise, yet the number of farmers is declining. The aging farming population is not being replaced by a new generation taking up the profession. An article by Down to Earth (https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/india-s-agrarian-distress-is-farming-a-dying-occupation-73527), published in 2020, states that farmers worldwide are leaving the industry, while the rural youth population grows. The census numbers in 2011 show that 2000 farmers leave their farms every day. The question remains, who will grow our food?

Colonizing Food Chain

A report published in Business Insider on April 4, 2017, entitled 10 Companies Control Everything You Buy, highlights that only ten corporations hold immense control over most food and beverage brands globally. (https://www.businessinsider.in/these-10-companies-control-everything-you-buy/articleshow/58009952.cms) This phenomenon, referred to as colonizing the food chain, gives these few companies immense power and influence over multiple stages of the food supply chain, from production to distribution to retail. As a result, the food system becomes homogenized, leaving consumers with limited options to choose from. This homogenization, however, can have several negative consequences, such as a decrease in food quality and diversity, environmental harm, and the loss of cultural heritage. 

Hungry Corporations, Industrialized Food, and Human Health

Hungry corporations are often a driving force behind the industrialization of food production. Focus on maximizing profits and efficiency has led to a system that puts mass production over quality, nutrition, sustainability, and ethics. There is a direct link between our health and the industrialization of our food. It is highly processed and contains a high amount of added sugars, fats, and preservatives. Such a diet has been the cause of various lifestyle diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The book, What’s Making Our Children Sick? indicates how industrialized food and medical systems are damaging the health of our children, emphasizing the frightening links between the efforts to create higher-yield, cost-efficient foods and an explosion of childhood diseases. The book exposes the current predicament and offers insight into the available medical responses, both to heal our kids and reverse the compromised health of our food supply. Industrialized food is not cheap. It is too costly for our health, children, farmers, and the earth. The industrialization of food has contributed to environmental degradation through practices such as monoculture farming, heavy use of pesticides, and the loss of biodiversity.

Food and Consumer Choices

Consumerism pushes a country’s GDP to grow. But to build a sustainable world, we need conscious consumerism driven by wise choices to keep the ecological balance. What we buy, drives the types of products in the market, and how much we buy, drives the quality. By making informed decisions, we can support the production of high-quality healthy food.

In the 1960s, India was facing the issue of food security. Hybrid seeds were introduced and replaced with traditional heirloom seeds as they offered higher yields and better outputs. Because hybrid seeds lacked nutrition, they had to be supplied with external chemical inputs. This spoiled the health of the soil and humans too. The food we eat can be the safest form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. Good food choices are the best investment.

Farmers and managed farmlands that follow sustainable practices choose to grow heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lentils. The moment we consumers purchase food products that prioritize quality ingredients and responsible production practices, we send a message to the market about what we value and what we are willing to pay. At Hosachiguru-managed farmlands, heirloom seeds and regenerative farming methods are used to grow responsibly.

Know Your Food, Know Your Source, Know Your Farmer

“Know Your Food, Know Your Source, Know Your Farmer” is a phrase often used to encourage people to be more aware of where their food comes from. It also highlights the quotient of transparency in areas of farming methods and the farmers who grow it.

People living in urban cities and spaces buy their daily essentials from supermarkets. Packed Foods available here are farmed and cooked by corporations fortified with synthetic nutrients. By choosing such products, consumers are losing out on having pure naturally-grown food. This shields the end consumer from knowing their food source and knowing their farmer. It is a catch-22 situation for urban consumers. Due to lack of time, convenience and comfort are the top priority, but the trade-off is well-being.

With managed farmland by Hosachiguru, it is very much possible to prioritize your well-being coupled with convenience and comfort. Locally grown fruits and veggies are often picked at the peak of ripeness, which means that it is more flavorful and nutritious in comparison to food that has traveled over long distances. Additionally, locally grown food supports the local economy and local farmers get their fair share of hard work. Being able to trace your food, its source, and the grower, you can make informed decisions about what you eat and support responsible and sustainable food production practices. Grow Local, Buy Local. The end users who buy and consume locally grown food tend to have better immunity and cherish stronger relationships with local farmers and communities. Food source matters. Choose wisely to live a healthy life.

Choose Farmacy over Pharmacy

The goals of pharmaceutical and large food corporations are often intertwined as they strive to create lifelong customers by promoting addictive food choices and medicine. Food corporations prioritize cost over quality and manufacture products with low nutrients. It creates nutritional deficiencies and lifestyle diseases. Pharmaceutical companies tap this opportunity and create customers for life.

However, it is important to note that lifestyle diseases often require significant lifestyle changes rather than a quick fix, as there is no magic pill to remedy these issues. Eventually, cured patients are no longer a source of revenue, highlighting the need for a shift towards preventative and sustainable healthcare practices.

Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese natural farmer, and philosopher, once stated that food and medicine are two sides of the same coin, representing the front and back of a single body. Chemically grown vegetables may suffice as food, but they lack the medicinal properties of natural produce. Medicine, meanwhile, is focused on treating sickness, while pure food has the potential to promote and maintain health. During times of economic hardship such as World War I and II, people turned to their backyards and gardens for sustenance, resulting in a decline in disease rates worldwide.

At Hosachiguru’s managed farmlands, families can grow their food forests to create a continuous and recurring source of fresh produce. Be a family farmer and take a giant leap towards safe, healthy, and nutritious food. As the adage goes, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

Choose Family Farmer over Family Doctor

Society is obsessed with finding cures without trying to learn about the cause. The growing concern over health and rising medical costs, it is imperative to have access to clean, nutritious, and chemical-free food. Family farmers play a vital role in providing this type of food by using sustainable farming practices that prioritize the health of the land, people, plants, and animals. They are often more likely to sell their products directly to consumers, through farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and other local outlets.

Let us all take charge and serve our families the food we know the story behind. Individuals and communities are very hard to control and manipulate when they are healthy and clear about what they want. Let us be intentional in what we do. Let us make a conscious choice. Invest in managed farmlands by Hosachiguru and gift a longevity diet to your family. 

Michael Pollan, a journalist who writes on topics where nature and cultures intersect, says”Food is not just Fuel. Food is about family, Food is about community, Food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well.” 

Live a Co-Farmers life with Hosachiguru and grow the safe food you always wanted to consume. Gift yourself and your family the best health and cherish life.

Conclusion

Let us all put our faith in the farmer who grows clean and nutrient-rich food for our families. Choose Healthcare over Sickcare. Choose Family Farmer over Family Doctor.

Author: Srinivas Abhilash

Sustainable Farming Practices Through Managed Farmland: Way To Healthier Future

Food, a basic need for all living beings on this planet earth, is integral to our existence and influences our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Chanakya, the great philosopher, once said, दीपो भक्षयते ध्वान्तं कज्जलं च प्रसूयते | यदन्नं भक्षयेन्नित्यं जायते तादृशी प्रजा || It means, lamp eats darkness and produces [black] soot! What food (quality) [one] eats daily, so will [one] produce. This reiterates that we are what we eat and should be mindful of what we consume.

Countries of greatness have always produced remarkable people. As Sadhguru ji says, “if the nation has to be great, it needs to look at producing great people. There is no other way.” To build a great nation of thinkers where citizens are responsible, accountable, healthy, and compassionate, we need to look at food and the source of food very seriously. Food can fundamentally change and alter how our brains function. It nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Food comes from soil AKA mother earth. A fertile, nutrient-rich soil is food for our food and a fist full of fertile soil has more living microorganisms than humans on this earth. Healthy soil is built primarily through the interaction of roots and microbes. When microbes are in balance, they function like a fine-tuned engine to support the plant, increase yield and build soil health. Food grown in such soil will yield fruits, vegetables, grains, and lentils loaded with tremendous Jiva shakti. This life force erupts from nutrient-rich food and will form a strong mind, body, and soul. The USA president Franklin D Roosevelt once said: “The nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself.”

Industrialized Farming and Monoculture

Post-independence, India faced food scarcity and had to fundamentally focus on high-yielding seeds, chemical pesticides, and fertilizers. It destroyed our soil. Monoculture, Hybrid Seeds, usage of heavy mechanized structures, and extensive use of irrigation techniques, have been the driving force to slowly move the youth of our nation towards long-term lifestyle diseases.

The destruction of fertile soil has set the stage for a future where people cannot cultivate their food and must rely solely on synthetic, corporate-grown options. Food grown by farmers in harmony with nature is safer and more nutritious than that produced by profit-driven corporations. Control over food equates to control over the world, making it imperative to democratize and decentralize agriculture for a healthier tomorrow.

Sustainable Farming Practices and Managed Farm land

The current methods to grow food on a large scale are highly unsustainable. They are fundamentally exploitative and extractive. On the contrary, managed farmlands typically tend to follow sustainable farming methods. By embracing sustainable farming methods and permaculture principles, farmers and people associated with it can conserve valuable resources, maintain soil health, and create habitats for diverse wildlife. Also, a lot of managed farmland for sale operated by professional management and skilled farmers can be highly productive land parcels depending on the plantation and level of resource efficiency. Conscious consumers looking for long-term sustainable investments can identify permaculture based managed farm land near Bangalore and show their participation and support.

However, a random google search on Managed farm lands near Bangalore and Managed farmland for sale will return 2500 odd results. Choosing the best managed farmland for sale can be daunting as it involves several parameters such as location, soil quality, water availability, land use history, management services, and legal documentation. One should exercise extreme caution when buying a managed farmland.

Through Hosachiguru, you can find the perfect Managed farm land near Bangalore and kick-start your journey into the world of sustainable farming. It’s secure, sustainable, tech enabled, and rewarding.

Sustainable Farming Practices and Hosachiguru-Managed Farmlands

The primary objective of Hosachiguru-managed farm land is to follow permaculture principles, adopt and implement sustainable practices, manage risk, maximize productivity, and reduce operational costs. Traditional farming practices with tech-enabled farm management help to monitor the farm plantations and get real-time insights along with quality yields.

Minimal tilling allows microorganisms in the soil ecosystem to thrive, enhancing soil fertility. Also, steps to increase soil carbon, improve soil health, and increased water retention. Grass and other cover crops pull carbon from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, storing it in biomass made of leaves, stems, and roots. As plants grow tall, their roots grow long, and carbon gets stored deeper into the soil. Carbon sequestration improves soil quality over time and heals mother earth. Fresh and dry mulch is extensively used on the farmland to suppress weed growth and increase soil fertility and water retention. Cover crops like legumes can fix nitrogen from the air into the soil improving soil fertility.

Managed Farm land near Bangalore at Hosachiguru employs regenerative farming practices focusing on the replenishment and upliftment of The AWE Factor(AIR Water Earth). Be a part of responsible farming that works holistically with nature. With Hosachiguru, building a sustainable future is not a far-fetched dream. Co-farmers are guaranteed peace and prosperity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sustainable farming practices and managed farm land hold the key to a healthier future by prioritizing the well-being of the land and the ecosystem. Think Health, Think Managed Farmlands.

Author: Srinivas Abhilash

What are the Legal Aspects of Farmland Ownership?

Farmland ownership refers to the legal rights and responsibilities associated with owning land used for agricultural production, especially for farmers and landowners. It can include land used for crops, and livestock, issues related to property rights, zoning, land use regulations, tax laws, etc.

Real Estate and Scams

The Indian real estate sector is growing, and so are the scams and frauds associated with it. Real estate scams run the entire gamut, from legal frauds, and fly-by-night operators to false promises and untenable buy-one-get-something-free offer. People invest in real estate, a flat/apartment, or a farm plot for various reasons ranging from long-term land security to building equity; to the land, they can pass down to their children. Joint ventures, wholesaling, property management, and many more such terms linger around and trigger a lot of anxiety in the quest to be thoughtful and make rational decisions. If not invested carefully and judiciously, the hard-earned money can get washed away in no time.

When it comes to avoiding real estate scams, knowledge is power. By being aware of the potential risks, you can protect yourself from being a victim. Arm yourself with some of the common warning signs listed below, and protect yourself from any real estate scams by staying informed.

Scams and Agricultural Land

Buying a piece of agricultural land compared to a regular plot has a lot of challenges and requires additional due diligence. The big question is, how do you avoid these challenges?

Unlike flats or apartments, the land is more vulnerable to illegal occupation, especially if left unattended. There are many parameters to be checked and verified before purchasing the land, irrespective of the developer. Exercise a little caution, and conduct due diligence and know-how to avoid real estate fraud by educating yourself about the most common mistakes and essential points to remember before investing in farmland in India.

Legal Aspects of Farmland Ownership

• • Title Verification to confirm Land Ownership

    • The term “Title” in real estate parlance refers to the rights resulting from legitimate property ownership. A free and clear title is undeniable evidence of ownership. The term free and clear refers to ownership without legal encumbrances, such as a lien or mortgage. Hence title verification is the process to check if the transferor is the legal owner of the property and has the authority to transfer ownership. Verification of farmland titles should date to a minimum of 40 years from the date of purchase. Tracing ownership should always begin with probing into the earliest document recorded. There should be no minor as the land owner. Companies such as Hosachiguru guarantee 100% secure, clear, and free land titles. Thorough checking of farmland titles tops the checklist and is a must-have before investing. If and when ignored will lead to legal complications and financial troubles. The advantage of having a free and clear title is that the property will act as collateral for loans or other financing/investment ventures. Hence it is paramount to ensure that no disputes are over the title and the land area.

      • Check Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

        • Popular encumbrances against real estate property include liens, easements, leases, mortgages, or restrictive covenants. Encumbrances impact the transferability and use of subject properties.
        • This document is instrumental in knowing the encumbrances concerning the property for a specific duration.
        • While transferring the legal titles, investors should verify if EC has the name of the same person with whom they are dealing.

      • Property Tax Receipts and Bills

        It is essential to ask the seller for previous property tax receipts and other bills related to the plot. It will help to avoid taxation issues in the future. It is also the responsibility of the buyer to seek all previous documents, invoices, and tax receipts to ensure there are no outstanding dues on the property.

      • Property Tax Receipts and Bills

        RTC is an annual document that is very crucial in title verification. It discloses the ownership, possession, tenancy, soil type, number of trees on the land, and other details. It is advisable to procure the document for the past 40 years from the date of purchase as it discloses the flow of ownership annually.

      • Land Measurement Certificate

        Before buying agricultural land, the measurements of the exact agricultural plot area need to be conducted by the surveyor to be able to mark the boundaries, and only then a land measurement certificate is to be issued. It states that the land measurements are as per the data mentioned in the title deed.

    • In the end, it all bottles down to the Title alone. The property holds no value with an improper Title. One will not have 100% rights on buy, sell, or mortgage transactions. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider whether you possess a clear, marketable title before investing in real estate. It determines that your ownership rights are free from uncertainties, risks, and quiet claim encumbrances and defects.
    • Some other essential documents which need due diligence too to make the process of acquiring land free from any problems are as follows:
      • Index of land
      • Mutation Extract
      • Family Tree History
      • Patta Book
      • Khata Certificate
      • Survey Documents that include: Survey sketch, Akarband Extract, Hissa Tippani Book Extract, Tippani, Phodi Extract, Hudbust Register Extract, Atlas & Village Map

• • Fencing, Access Paths, and Demarcation

    • Robert Frost once said that “Good Fences make good neighbors.” Farmlands are fenced and demarcated to secure ownership rights and protect properties from intrusion. Investors should refrain from investing their time, money, and effort in farmland properties that do not have full-fledged fencing, clear access paths, and demarcations.

• • State Laws

    • Since agricultural lands fall under state jurisdiction, the rules may vary from state to state. Thus, one must review the latest laws before making any agricultural land-buying decision. Laws, legal procedures, restrictions on land ownership, land ceiling, and stamp duties vary from state to state.
    • Restrictions on Land Purchase – In some states in India, it is allowed to purchase agricultural land, regardless of their profession, whereas, in other states, only agriculturists are.
      • In 2020, the Karnataka government removed limitations on non-agriculturists for buying and selling agricultural plots, thereby repealing a decades-old rule. Any Indian resident, institution, corporate, or academic establishment can purchase farmland in Karnataka regardless of annual revenue from non-agricultural sources.
    • Land Ceiling
      
      • It is the maximum agricultural land that a buyer can own, and the norms vary substantially across territories.

• Physical Land Survey and Site Inspection

  • To establish clarity, precision, and transparency, physical verification of the land with the assistance of surveyors and government officials needs to get conducted. Hosachiguru has various teams of experts who examine the reports and vet the documents and lands; leaving no stone unturned. Doing this will allow having a clear say on the legal status and would help in analyzing the boundaries and nature of abutting lands as well.

Farmlands VS Flats/Apartments

Farmlands

Buying farmland is a lifestyle investment and a reliable, age-old hedge against inflation. It provides an opportunity for individuals to live on and work the land and be self-sufficient. Many urbanites buy farmland to escape the city, be closer to nature and live a healthier, more holistic lifestyle. This investment allows individuals to control their food production, grow crops, and live sustainably. Additionally, owning farmland provides a sense of community and connection to the land. It has a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment; that comes from making a parcel of land productive by growing natural, healthy food.

Flat/Apartment

An investment in a flat or an apartment can depreciate over time. Factors such as wear and tear, aging infrastructure, changes in local market conditions, and consumer preferences can all contribute to a decline in value. Additionally, if the building or neighborhood falls out of favor or becomes less desirable, the property value may decrease.

Old buildings cannot match the amenities and features of new buildings. Hence, making it less desirable to potential buyers or renters. It would have reached the saturation point for the investment value that indicates the maximum growth potential of the new building that one can realistically expect.

The cost of an old building in a posh locality will likely be lower than a new building. New buildings are expensive to construct. When we purchase a flat or an apartment, the major share of the price paid typically goes toward the cost of construction, and a very minimal amount goes toward the cost of the land.

Conclusion

Considering all the discussed points in detail, one can confidently explore agricultural land investments independently. However, informed consumers can still be susceptible to scams. Hence, it is always advisable to go with experts or seek an expert opinion that can ensure problem-free transactions.

Hosachiguru’s in-house advocates put in tremendous efforts to ensure the above legal aspects are carefully adhered to, thereby ensuring a safe investment opportunity for our co-farmers. Adding to it, the power of Talkinglands, an in-house tool that auto-populates publicly available information, ensures complete transparency towards the land you own mapped onto the part of the village/survey. Before investing, it is advisable to check if the developer or land provider is giving such tools to understand the land better.

Only SEBI-registered companies have the authority to talk about returns on investment. No other company is entitled to promise returns and hence farmland companies promising returns are not legit. If anyone offers to manage your land with short-term income from crops, be wary of this as it could be a desperate move from a developer to sell the property. People get tempted by no maintenance and end up with a bad investment. Don’t lose your principal in the quest for profits or returns. In the end, the land is the best investment on Earth. Pay in full and experience it in a wholesome way.

Author: Srinivas Abhilash

What is a Wetland?

Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. Low-lying areas near rivers, lakes, and coastlines with the presence of hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation (plants adapted to living in wet conditions) have swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, etc., forming a part of the wetland. In various environments, from freshwater marshes to saltwater estuaries, wetlands exist.

Wetlands in Bangalore and Real Estate

Wetlands in Bangalore, also known as “Kere” in the local language, have been at gunpoint from real estate developers for many years. The wetlands, essential for local ecology and water management, have been filled in or built on to make way for residential and commercial development. The illegal encroachment of these areas by the real estate mafia has been a central issue in the city, leading to an absence of biodiversity and environmental degradation. The government and various NGOs have been working to protect the wetlands and prosecute those involved in illegal activities, but the problem persists.

Significance of Wetlands, Role, and Importance in building a Sustainable Ecosystem

Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining the health of the environment and the well-being of human communities by providing a wide range of ecological, economic, and social benefits.

Ecological Significance:

Wetlands are incredibly rich in biodiversity and are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to these environments. They provide important habitats for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife and are natural water filters, helping to remove pollutants and sediment from the water that flows through them. They also control floods by storing water during heavy rainfall and releasing it slowly at the appropriate time. Wetlands provide dozens of ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and soil formation.

Economic Significance:

They are also a source of food and income for many people, particularly those living in rural areas. They provide room for fishing, hunting, and ecotourism and also serve as natural water resources for irrigation and domestic use.

Social Significance:

Wetlands also have significant cultural and spiritual significance for many communities. They are considered sacred places and a meaningful part of a community’s heritage. They also provide opportunities for recreation and education and can be used as an arm to promote community engagement and awareness of environmental issues.

The loss of wetlands can lead to a decline in biodiversity, increased flooding, water pollution, and detrimental to livelihoods. Hence to build a safe and healthy environment, it is essential to protect and conserve wetlands.

Why should one celebrate World Wetlands Day?

Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd every year to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and the need to protect them. Ramsar Secretariat chooses the theme of Wetlands Day every year to raise awareness of wetlands and the need to conserve them. The theme for 2022 was “Wetlands and Water” and the theme for 2023 is “Wetlands Restoration”. The purpose is to highlight the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration.

Hosachiguru’s efforts to Restore Wetlands at various Managed Farmlands

Permaculture principles are applied to achieve wetland restoration and conservation at various Hosachiguru Farms. The agronomy team at Hosachiguru identifies and maps the Wetlands. The team carefully evaluates the property based on location, size, and ecological significance. A wetland conservation plan is created and developed to protect and manage it. Activities such as reducing nutrient and pesticide runoff and avoiding drainage of wetland areas are executed. Degraded wetlands are restored by removing invasive species, re-grading or re-contouring the land, and planting native vegetation. Also, buffer zones are created for native vegetation around wetlands to filter pollutants and reduce erosion. A wetlands monitoring system is set in place to observe, identify and evaluate the effectiveness of the conservation efforts.

A connection is established between wetlands and other natural habitats to improve and enhance biodiversity to incubate and support a wide range of species. Also, the creation of diversified wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and bogs is executed. The use of swales, bioswales, diversion swales, permeable pavements, gully plugs, and other methods is executed to mimic the hydrology of wetlands. Lemon Grass, Vetiver, and Citronella are some of the native grass varieties that are planted to purify water. Riparian zones are created through the use of artificial structures such as sediment ponds and sediment basins, which are designed to trap sediment and pollutants before they reach wetlands.

Areas adjacent to the streams and ponds are marked as Riparian zones at Madhuvana Farms by Hosachiguru. The vegetation in this area creates a unique wetland microclimate within a dry land ecosystem. It contributes to the land’s biodiversity and provides shelter to the native fauna. The vegetation also helps to stabilize the banks and stream beds in case of storm events and helps mitigate flash floods.

Agricultural systems are set up in such a way that it incorporates wetlands to provide benefits such as pollination, pest control, and soil fertility. The presence of water diversion trenches and stone bunds controls soil erosion. Aquatic plants such as Indian Lotus, Water Lily, water hyacinth, and water plantain facilitate pollination.

Hosachiguru follows the principles and practices of agroforestry, precision agriculture, and conservation farming to incorporate sustainable agricultural techniques that help to preserve wetlands and increase biodiversity.

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.