Closed-Loop Sustainable Energy Coconut Plantation
“Transformation of an erstwhile Textile Mill into a sustainable, closed-loop and off-grid food production system, showcasing Permaculture, Water Management and Bio Methane Generation”
Sree Meenakshi Sundaram Textiles (SMST) was not only planned to be a state-of-the-art Mill but it also takes into account the environment at large for the long term
SMST established in 1974 was one of the pioneers of the South Indian Textile industry and the leading manufacturer of export quality 100% cotton yarn.
The Mill was impeccably designed along with a 17 acre coconut plantation and fruit orchard surrounding it and multiple sources of water through open wells and gravity-fed water harvesting. In essence, a Permaculture design practice was already operative at this 20 acre property since the 90’s. However, since the closure of the Mill, no work had been carried out for over 8 years. The property was in a state of disrepair, with no source of electricity.
“A resilient agricultural ecosystem facilitates a good balance between economic land use, crop productivity, local employment, protection of local natural resources and biodiversity.”
The challenge
With no interventions in the form of water, fertilization, pest and disease management for over 8 years, coconut yields had drastically reduced. Weeds had taken over the property making it inaccessible. Although mother nature had rushed in to reclaim the land organically, and the soil remained extremely fertile, the original intent of the plantation to be a revenue generating model that provided a source of livelihood for local farmers, was lost.
At SMST, the challenge was to retain the natural environment, and yet create an economically viable ecosystem with social impact.
A shift of paradigm
The overarching vision for SMST was to demonstrate a Closed Loop Sustainable Energy System that connected the by-products from one technology as a raw material for the next, creating a sustainable interdependent ecosystem. This process would address critical aspects of the plantation such as Energy, Irrigation, Water Harvesting, Fertilization, Pest and Disease Management. Local employment would take place to carry out each of the operations within the ecosystem.
A measurable increase in yield would be seen within the initial crop cycles that would kick-start profitability and impact.
The property was transformed into an Ecosystem that was resilient, off-grid, highly scalable and provided multiple sources of income, in addition to massive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Bio Methanation to fulfill
Energy demands
With a 250 kg/day of plant biomass and agro residue as feedstock, the reactor produces 15 cubic meters of Biogas. A retrofitted generator converts the gas to 15 KVA of electricity that runs the Irrigation systems for 4 hours a day.
The weeds of the property became valuable feedstock for the system which became the protocol for Weed Management improving farm accessibility.
Aiming for
Impact
The Coconut Plantation acts as a model and community learning centre for farmers and municipalities. Strategies for sustainable agriculture, and resilience building against climate change would be taught as the ecosystem gains productivity, and develops further value added products and services.
Permaculture Design
for Crop Diversification
The existing design of the Coconut Trees were converted into Coconut Circles that helped intensify and diversify crop yields. The circles helped manage waste, suppress weeds, and convert them into nutrition for the trees.
The circles conserved water on the land and sustained polycropping. Beekeeping provided seasonal Honey, and Coconut Oil was processed from the fallen coconuts.
The Coconut Plantation is a unique exemplar for Agricultural Innovation and Sustainability that is demonstrating continuous growth and productivity since its reformation in 2017.
Employment & Job Opportunities
– 50 Families
Coconut
Yield Increase
– Over 50%
Greenhouse Gas Emissions averted
– 15 cubic meters per day
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