Reflections from 3 day Organic Farming Workshop at Bhoomi Farmers Centre, Tiruvannamala

“I had the privilege of immersing myself in a three-day organic farming workshop at Bhoomi Farmers Center in Tiruvannamalai District. What unfolded during these days was far more than a technical crash course. It was a profound experience of going back to basics and re-learning how to see nature’s cycles, soil life, food, health and farming through the lens of interdependence.

Led by the Bhoomi team, the workshop offered a holistic perspectives and hands-on practice. Many of us arrived with fragmented or foggy ideas about what "organic" really means. By the end, we left with a much clearer, connected picture of farming not just as a method, but as a way of coexisting with the natural world.

The sessions beautifully tied together the dots within a complex ecological web. We were shown how every living being, from the smallest insect to the unnoticed fungi in the soil, plays a vital role in keeping nature in balance. It was eye-opening to witness such a systemic, collective approach to sustainable farming. This is something we rarely see or hear about in mainstream agriculture.

Every aspect of our stay was intentionally organic. Starting from the air we breathed, the farm-fresh meals we ate (a wholesome mix of rice, millets, and freshly plucked vegetables) from the living soil that produced it all. We learned about the power of “Panchakavya”—a traditional mixture that boosts soil fertility and acts as a natural pesticide and fertilizer. It was a reminder that health begins not just on our plates but deep within the soil.

This experience also shifted our relationship with food itself. Being so close to the source instilled a renewed respect for every grain and morsel. The idea that food should never be wasted wasn’t just taught—it was felt. This farm stay changed the perspective towards what we eat back in the city as against what should be really eaten; and the most important thing that not even a single morsel of food should go down the drain or wasted.

Beyond organic techniques, the workshop addressed the deeper social and ethical layers of farming. We explored the harmful impact of excessive chemical use not only on human health but also on biodiversity and water systems. A powerful discussion emerged around the overuse of dairy in urban diets, and the ripple effect this creates: unethical practices in the dairy industry, driven by poverty and market demand, leading to the suffering of livestock and farmers alike.

The role of Bhoomi’s Trust – KNA Foundation for Education in this rural space with small and local farmers is invaluable on the sustainable farming practices. They are not just promoting organic farming through conservation tillage, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and water-efficient practices, but are helping farmers to transition toward truly sustainable livelihoods. 

One key takeaway that really stayed with me was the idea of building a raised bed—a small plot of land turned fertile by infusing it with microorganisms at every layer. Once prepared, this living bed can grow organic vegetables for up to five years without synthetic inputs. Simple, powerful, and doable.

If given a chance, I would return to this space in a heartbeat—as a learner, a volunteer, and a humble participant in this larger movement. It is rare to find spaces that breathe such fresh air—literally and metaphorically. This workshop wasn’t just about farming. It was about reimagining our place in nature. And how, sometimes, going back to the roots is the most forward-thinking step we can take.”

- Shared by Ms. Veena, a participant