Grow Farmlands that Carry Your Legacy with Indigenous Agriculture

Paddy field preparation at the Hyderabad Collective in Telangana.

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire to reconnect with our roots is stronger than ever. As we become more aware of the environmental challenges we face, the need to return to sustainable, indigenous agricultural practices has become clear. But what if this journey could be more than just a personal endeavour? What if it could be a legacy you leave behind for future generations—a thriving, self-sustained landscape that reflects the wisdom of the past and the potential of the future? At Beforest, we believe that our collectives offer just that—a unique opportunity to grow farmlands that are not just pieces of land but living, breathing ecosystems that carry your legacy forward.

Sustainable Agriculture is Now or Now

Modern agricultural practices have undoubtedly increased food production, but at a significant cost to the environment. The widespread use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and mono-cropping has led to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and a decrease in the nutritional value of our food. As we face the growing challenges of climate change and food security, it’s evident that these methods are not sustainable in the long run.

This is where sustainable agriculture comes into play. By embracing practices like permaculture farming that work with nature rather than against it, we can create resilient farming systems that are capable of sustaining both the land and the communities that depend on it. 

Indigenous Agriculture: Modern Problems Sometimes Require Traditional Solutions

Indigenous agricultural practices offer a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations. These methods are not only time-tested but are also deeply connected to the land, respecting its natural cycles and diversity. At Beforest, we integrate these traditional practices into our farming collectives, recognizing that they hold the key to creating landscapes that are truly sustainable.

For example, in our collectives in Coorg (Poomaale 1.0, Poomaale 2.0 and Hammiyala Collectives), we’ve revived the age-old practice of multi-layered cropping in our food forests, where different plants are grown together to maximize the use of space and resources. This not only increases yield but also helps maintain soil health, enable crop interdependence and reduce pest problems naturally. In the Sahyadris, we’ve partnered with local farmers to understand the water management strategies applied in the region, as well as to identify and source native crops and vegetation for our fruit orchards and biofence designs. 

These practices are more than just techniques—they are a way of life that honours the land and its people. By involving the local communities in our projects, we ensure that the spirit of the land is safeguarded and that the knowledge of these practices is preserved for future generations.

Permaculture: Bridging the Past and Future

Permaculture farming is the perfect blend of traditional wisdom and modern science. It’s a system of agriculture that aims to create self-sufficient ecosystems that mimic the patterns found in nature. At Beforest, we apply permaculture principles to develop food forests that are not only productive but also become resilient and self-sustaining over the years.

On our 132-acre Hyderabad Collective in Telangana which experiences a dry arid climate, we’ve designed food forests with a mix of fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs that are low-maintenance, hardy and can support each other to make a balanced ecosystem. Additionally, with scientific hydrology and landscape studies, we have designed a holistic water management system for the landscape to harvest and recharge rainwater such that our main water bodies (the lake and the wells) do not dry completely up even on the hottest days.

Permaculture is more than just farming—it’s a way of building a relationship with the land that is respectful, sustainable, and regenerative.

Build Your Legacy with Beforest

At Beforest, we believe that investing in sustainable, indigenous agriculture is not just about growing food—it’s about growing a legacy. By joining one of our collectives, you’re not just purchasing land; you’re becoming a part of a community that values the land, its history, and its future. You’re contributing to a landscape that will continue to nourish and inspire for generations to come.

Join Beforest today in Coorg, Mumbai and Bhopal.