Grassroots Innovation and Indigenous Science Discussions at Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farm in Bastar, Attended by Experts from 11 States during Bharat Nirman Yatra
In the heart of Bastar, India, lies Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farms, a unique convergence of traditional knowledge, organic farming, ecological innovation, and social responsibility. Recently, a group of 25 highly educated young professionals from 11 states embarked on a visit to this farm and research center in Chikalputi, Kondagaon.
The visit was made impactful by the efforts of the organizing team, including Mrs. Shipra Tripathi, Mr. Kevin, Rishiraj, Balai Chakrawarti, and Madhuri Devangan. The group included emerging changemakers, engineers, architects, journalists, filmmakers, development practitioners, and management professionals.
At Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farms, the large-scale cultivation of over 340 varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants provides sustainable livelihoods to hundreds of tribal families across Bastar. One of the farm's key innovations is the Natural Greenhouse Model, an indigenous, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to conventional polyhouse farming.
This model, implemented at only about Rs 2 lakh per acre compared to traditional polyhouses costing over Rs 40 lakh per acre, substantially reduces costs while promoting sustainable rural development through intercropping (e.g., black pepper with Australian teak) and agroforestry practices that enhance natural nitrogen fixation and preserve soil health.
The Natural Greenhouse Model fosters environmentally responsible farming that conserves water and maintains soil fertility, thereby empowering tribal farmers of Bastar to cultivate medicinal and herbal plants sustainably. This approach aligns with broader sustainable agriculture goals by reducing water use, optimizing local resources, and preserving the ecological balance essential for rural livelihoods.
The farm also houses an Ethno-Medico Forest, an in-situ conservation initiative preserving 22 rare and endangered medicinal plant species in their natural habitat. Grassroots interactions with tribal farmer-representatives provided insights into traditional agricultural wisdom, decentralized leadership, and indigenous innovations.
Jasmati Netam, a tribal woman leader, offered valuable perspectives on the evolving role of tribal women in herbal-based rural economies and their leadership in eco-farming. The immersive learning journey concluded with a traditional Bastar lunch served under the open sky, surrounded by the serene fields.
Dr. Rajaram Tripathi, the visionary founder of the herbal mission and a global advocate for organic and indigenous agriculture, joined the gathering virtually from Russia. Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farms stands as a shining example of sustainable rural development, blending indigenous knowledge, affordable infrastructure, and environmentally sensitive practices.
- The group of young professionals, after visiting Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farms, recognized the importance of lifelong learning in environmental science, as they witnessed the farm's innovative Natural Greenhouse Model that promotes sustainable rural development and aligns with education and self-development goals of conservation and sustainable agriculture.
- The Ethno-Medico Forest at Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farms is a significant contribution towards health-and-wellness and learning, as it preserves 22 rare medicinal plant species in their natural habitat, providing insights into traditional agricultural wisdom and indigenous innovations.
- Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farms, through its focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and education, serves as a hub for learning and lifelong learning, especially in the field of science, empowering tribal farmers to cultivate medicinal and herbal plants in an environmentally friendly manner while ensuring their livelihoods.
