The orchard development project at Gram Bhawan, Village Baag, is more than just a farming initiative, it is part of a long-term vision to create thriving, sustainable fruit orchards that bring both environmental and economic benefits to the local community.
The farm and orchard are 2-star rated under the Government of Himachal Pradesh developed system – CETARA-NF. This means that the Gram Bhawan farm does not use any agro-chemical or synthetic pesticides. It does use Natural and Organic farming inputs developed on its own farm or from certified or well known organic sources.
Supported by a ₹50,000 project from Gram Disha Trust, Kalasan Horticulture Services Pvt. Ltd. (KHS) has been working closely on the ground to introduce high-quality planting material, improve soil health, and ensure the long-term resilience of the orchard. This is, gradually, ensuring that Gram Bhawan develops into a thriving, bio-diverse and living farm over time. This Transformation based on Agroecology, is also important to prove that farms are also economically viable. The net return from these investments will surely bear with time. Given the CETARA-NF status of Gram Bhawan, KHS is senstive in its choice of plants, orchard care (timely pruning and training) and non-chemical management for resutls.
This report presents a transparent account of how the funds have been used so far and how the remaining amount will be invested in the next phase. The first phase has already seen important steps; from preparing the land and planting disease-free saplings of persimmon, walnut, and blackberry, to enriching the soil with organic amendments like “Biogreen” and replacing any infected trees to protect the orchard’s future. Alongside these, KHS has implemented pest and disease management measures.
The project is being executed in well-defined phases to balance immediate needs with long-term care. By reserving part of the budget for upcoming work, we can ensure that the orchard not only grows but thrives year after year, becoming a reliable source of fresh produce, biodiversity, and livelihood.
The attached PDF provides a complete financial breakdown along with detailed descriptions of the work carried out. It also connects with our earlier field blog, “Fruit Orchard Development at Gram Bhawan; Baag”, which captures on-site activities, challenges addressed, and the shared commitment that drives this effort forward.
