Beyond the Perfect Apple: A Natural Farming Success Story from Himachal High up in the remote Spiti Valley, life runs at a different rhythm. The air is thinner, the winters are harder, and farming is more than just a job it’s a way of life. Here, apple orchards cling to steep slopes, their branches stretching […]
Germination Report Gram Disha Trust (GDT) with the collaboration with Kalasan Nursery Farm has its first round of germination trials as part of a broader effort to establish a community seed bank. This initiative aims to conserve, multiply, and distribute open-pollinated heirloom seeds that are well-suited to the Himalayan agro-climatic zone. Seed Bank will be
Kalasan Nursery’s Eco-Friendly Shift to Biodegradable Grow Bags In the face of climate change and increasing plastic pollution, sustainability in agriculture is no longer optional, it’s essential. At Kalasan Nursery Farm (KNF), we’ve taken a meaningful step forward by introducing biodegradable, breathable cloth grow bags for our plantation and nursery operations. This innovation is a
Wild-Local Species for Insect-Pest Control – 3rd Edition The Himalayan region holds a vast repository of wild flora with untapped potential for agricultural innovation. Among these, Lantana camara known locally as Gandhari, Phulnoo, or Ghaneri is a hardy and highly adaptable plant species growing abundantly in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. This third report, Identification of
Tracing Sweetness to Its Roots – Cherry Procurement from CETARA-Certified Farmers in Himachal At Gram Disha Trust, we believe that every piece of fruit has a story — not just of where it comes from, but of the people, practices, and purpose behind it. Our recent cherry procurement journey from the scenic slopes of Village
Sowing the Future – Open Pollinated Seed Bank PNFPC Starts Its First Tomato Seed Journey with GDT Something special has begun in the hills of Himachal Pradesh. Pachhad Natural Farmer Producer Company (PNFPC) has taken its first big step toward self-reliant and sustainable farming. With support from GDT, the company has received a special batch
High up in the peaceful hills of Narkanda, we met a couple who touched our hearts—not just because of the cherries they grow, but because of the life they live and the choices they’ve made. We were on a mission to find farmers who grow food without using any chemicals—clean, natural, and safe to eat.
A Cherry Orchard Full of Love: A Veteran’s Journey to Natural Farming in Narkanda Read More »
Wild-Local Species for Insect-Pest Control – 2nd Edition The Himalayan region holds a wealth of botanical resources. Among these, wild-growing and naturalized species are increasingly being re-evaluated for their potential in agroecological pest management. The use of wild plants as natural insect-pest repellents continues to be a cornerstone of traditional farming—especially in Himachal Pradesh, where
Smallholders Orchards – Insights from Gram Bhawan, Village Baag On February 16th, 2025: I conducted my second visit to the Model Farm under development – Gram Bhawan at Village Baag, with the objective of assessing the condition of the plantation plots and checking the progress made since my last visit. This visit was crucial in
