Case Study RA The Forestry Permaculture

Organic Citrus Orchard designed around the principles of Regenerative Agriculture

“The real path to natural farming requires that a person know what unaltered nature is, so that he or she can instinctively understand what needs to be done – and what must not be done – to work in harmony with its processes.” — Masanobu Fukuoka

Area under Citrus Cultivation in India

0 k hectares

India’s citrus production is exported

0 %

varieties of citrus fruits available in India

Context

As certified Permaculture designers, it was vital for the Firefly team to translate our knowledge into real solutions and where better to start with but our own 8 acre property located in Hunsur, Karnataka

In the past, the main agricultural crop in Hunsur was Tobacco which had been phased out due to Government Human Health Policies. The area had been used for a wide range of mixed agricultural and animal systems that were all based on conventional, chemical intensive farming.

The new vision would showcase all the main principles of Permaculture coupled with complementary philosophies such as AgroForestry, Bee Keeping, Water Management, Microbial Inputs and more.

APPROACH

The Forestry was designed to address the past, present and future of the property. It was a multi-pronged approach and encompassed a wide range of practices.

Conventional Approach

Advancements in agricultural technology fostered by the Green Revolution throughout the past century have allowed farmers to avoid widespread famine, and feed a population that has grown from less than 2 billion people to more than 7 billion today.

However, previous agricultural breakthroughs have come with serious environmental costs to both people and nature. With a changing climate exacerbating today’s challenges, it is clear the next agricultural revolution will require solutions that not only increase food production, but also sustain the health of our communities, our land and water, and our climate.

Firefly’s alternative approach

Since 2018, the idea was to regenerate the farm through an Intensive Food Production System comprising Short, Medium and Long term crops that balanced the ecosystem, provided yields that sustained the workforce, and had medicinal and nutritional benefits for its consumers. Over the years several soil growing techniques, and crops were cultivated using both local farming traditions and Permaculture no-dig techniques. Some techniques were successful and have contributed to the regeneration of the land whereas, others provided short term benefits and an impetus to observe better, research wisely, become better planners, and sync with nature’s cycles.

GALLERY

Our Solutions

The Star of the Show

Three species of Citrus – Seedless Lime , Oro Blanco and Ruby Red Grapefruit that are suited to the climate of the area, both in terms of temperature and rainfall; and have exceptional health benefits and value in the market.

Living Protection

A layered, productive, living hedge with nitrogen fixing species that ensures long and medium term Nitrogen fixing and also increases bio – diversity while providing security and acting as a windbreak.

Water Conservation

Installing Lasso and Lazer Drip Irrigation systems to ensure precise watering at timed intervals, preventing over-watering and thereby conserving water. This also translates into less weeds and in the long run savings in terms of money and time.

Microorganisms & Mycelium

Our in-house Agricultural product formulations for the repopulation of Micro-organisms and Micronutrients in the soil to trigger the soil food web cycle. The spent paddy straw from the nearby Mushroom Production facility, rich in mycelium to fulfil soil growing techniques.

Growing Soil

Soil growing strategies such as Green Manure, Cover Crops, Chop-and-drop Biomass Crops, Vermicomposting, Biochar, Bio-fertilizers and Natural Pest Control Preparations.

The Mini Forestry

An experimental Permaculture set-up for practices such as Swale and On-contour Planting of fruit and Nitrogen fixing trees, No-Dig Raised Garden Beds for short term Vegetable and Seed Crops and a Hedgerow for farm safety, pest and wind management, and to attract beneficial pollinators.

The Apothecary

Interspersed Trees, Herbs, Spices, Soft Fruits and Nuts for Immunity Support, Respiratory Support, Anti-Cancer, Cardiac Support, Mental and Neurological Health, Anti-Diabetes, Bone Health, Women’s Health, Kidney and Liver Function Support, Skin and Eye Care, Overall health.

Impact

Increased
Biodiversity

Waste
Recycling

Climate Action & Environmental Protection

High Quality
Organic Citrus

Revitalizing Forgotten Indegenous Foods

Community Integration & Local Employment

Promoting Environmental
Stewardship

Education & Training
Opportunities