Roots & Wings – Suma Ganesh

‘Zero-waste’ is a fad word we have been hearing for the past few years. But the fact is, most Indian homes have been zero-waste traditionally. It is only in recent times that reuse is seen as a thrifty habit and not as a responsible one. Forgetting our traditions, aping the west, and reviving the traditions – we seem to have come full circle. With a bursting population, this circle, unfortunately, has cost the country and the planet a lot.

Our household had turned towards consumerism too, but we slammed the breaks and started taking cognizance of our behaviour. All it took was acting with love. Love for every living being and the Earth.

Now when we buy greens or eat fruit, it is almost impossible for me to discard the seeds or roots. Spinach roots, mint plants, the root of lemon grass, seeds of lemons, oranges, chikoo, ripe dried red chillies, capsicums – all these are jewels and it is criminal to throw them away.

We wash, dry and put seeds in labelled envelopes. Not always do we have space for the fruit tree. But it makes for a great return gift for a bday party or for a friend who owns a bit of land. We put the roots away in a warm, shaded spot in a jar of water on the terrace or window sill. As soon as they look ready, we find a place to plant them. Even if they don’t all survive, we feel fantastic if some of the plants start growing rich harvest. This habit has been passed on to my daughter too. Unable to throw a single seed away, she packs them in her little pocket and brings them back home and carefully hands them over to me for safekeeping.

The peels of orange and lemon are lovingly turned into bio enzymes for cleaning floors and kitchen counters, if not used for some delicious edible recipes. If nothing, she soaks the orange peels in water and sprays herself and her room with it to keep it smelling fresh and cool. The same goes for used tea leaves, used coffee powder, peels of vegetables, egg shells, coconut shells, and coconut husks.

When we crack open a coconut and use it, the shell and husk are put away in the dry composting pit, along with the fallen dry leaves and twigs from our garden. Within weeks we find this transformed into a pile of beautiful compost – black gold. Being South Indians, we end up with more than enough coconut shells. So the ones that don’t go into the compost turn into planters with winding vines and bright flowers.

We have also been bringing about changes in other aspects of our lives, but are far from the goal. A small step has been to wake up and be aware of the waste we create with every action. A long way ahead to be waste-free, but with some effort, this should be achieved – after all, we have to save the planet for our children.

Life in Mumbai was a revelation in many ways.

We had recently had a child and I was concerned about what we fed her. My friends teased me that the seasonal watermelons I was so happy feeding her were actually grown in the nala running by the infamous LBS road! Locally produced and sourced, but of what quality?

The next option I found was visiting farmers’ markets for vegetables and fruits and ordering dairy from brands that claimed to offer healthy milk – both expensive options.

We tried moving away to the outskirts, but still, apartments had no space to grow even a simple row of greens. The maximum I could do was grow a little palak in the window sill. We were held hostage for something as basic as clean milk, vegetables and fresh chemical-free fruits for my family.

This is when I came across community-run gardens that grew organic vegetables. People feeling disoriented just like me decided to take charge and be the change they wanted to see. However, there were still some drawbacks

• Lack of space, limiting the variety and quantity of vegetables and fruits.
• Milk – hardly possible to rear livestock in an apartment complex.
• Most importantly, the soil was not rich enough to produce much.

This is why you need scale. Sizeable lands give you a landscape that can hold water, soil that can guard against chemicals from neighbouring lands, cattle that can live freely, and a natural ecosystem that can sustain itself and enable regenerative farming.

Beforest was born from this need. The Mumbai Collective is the perfect solution to the problem of the majority of the city. Like our other collectives, we plan to make it a self-sustaining farming community with food, water and power security.

The size of over 100 acres allows us to implement permaculture principles by the book while offering ample space for wildlife to move freely and thrive. A forest ecosystem that will ensure the landscape is not only restored but turns regenerative and lives for years with minimal human intervention. What’s more, the landscape will also lend us simple pleasures like star gazing, relaxing forest walks, camping, bird watching, and more. For children, it is the best way to connect with nature – getting their hands dirty to make seed bombs, planting saplings and seeing a forest grow around them.

I am proud to be part of Beforest and delighted to welcome you all to this movement. The movement to take charge of our basic necessities.

Did you know, the aromatic saunf is part of the Carrot family? I didn’t either! Apparently Saunf or fennel, along with celery, anise, caraway, coriander, cumin, dill and parsley are all one big family! Why is this exciting? Because, as soon as we know a plant belongs to one family, for a growing enthusiast, a lot of questions on shade, water and general characteristics become so much easier! Know one, know them all! – well its not that simple, but you get the idea.

In a natural forest, evolution had perfected the art of companion & layered planting, pest control, water retention and composting. But in our backyard we don’t have such help, so knowing plant families could come very handy.

As an example, plants of the same family are prone to similar pest attacks. They also are likely to flower and fruit at similar times and you are likely to find their seeds in the same area of the plant. These critical pieces of information, help in ensuring we manage the seeds, saplings, growth environment and more, efficiently.

However, identifying plants is not as simple as it may seem. Sometimes leaves of various plants may look the same but the plants may belong to different families. Botanically, plants are grouped together by their seeds, flowers and genes.

While identifying by flowers may be easiest visually, if you have missed the season, your best bet is to identify the family by the seed.

Here are some plants with their families*

• Solonancea — tomato, capsicum, chilli, eggplant
• Brassicaceae — Cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli – all variants of the same species cross breed very easily. These have very similar looking seeds. Radishes, Asian greens and mustards are a different species. These are prone to cabbage moth
• Cucurbitaceae — pumpkins, squash, zucchini, melons. With male and female flowers on the same plant, this family can be easily pollinated by bees
• Umbelliferae — This family gets its name from the shape of its flower and seed heads. Carrot, parsley, dill, fennel, coriander, celery, parsnip are part of this family

There are many plant families across the world and learning about plant families native to our own landscape maybe a good start. This is a topic worth deep research and through our experiments with permaculture, we are sure to learn more as we go ahead and we would be happy to share the same with you.

Source: www.permaculturenews.org

I had seen about 10 Mumbai monsoons before literally running away and relocated to Bangalore. A couple of days ago, a dear friend who had also moved from Mumbai called me asking if it was safe to send her kids to school. I said, “of course, Bangalore doesn’t reel under pressure during monsoons like Mumbai. It is safe”

Shortly after that, started the stream of videos and pictures from across Bangalore, covered in muddy waters, people even rowing boats to save their few belongings. This monsoon has been a rude shock to my pride towards Namme Bengaluru.

The irony is that Bangalore is headed towards water shortage by 2030 on one hand and on the other, we seem to have no idea how to manage the surplus we seem to have received! So theoretically, a few years down the line, we may still be flooded, but have no water to drink!

Some light reading brings forward the fact that a lot of illegal construction, corrupt approvals and ever increasing demand for urban development are factors that have led to complete breakdown of our water management system. On the face of it, the Government is insisting on every building having a robust water harvesting system, but at the same time, approving construction where NGT has clearly raised flags.

Now, the shock aside, it is easy to complain. But the fact is, Bangalore is not the only city headed this way. We may complain, but we are all part of the problem. Why not try and be part of the solution?

What can we do?

• Join or create a citizen forum to understand how water, waste and even garbage is handled in your locality
• Create water harvesting solutions
• Read up on the problem and solutions & practice them
• Spread awareness
• Make sure you raise your voice against illegal construction

Most importantly – big or small – make a start. Let’s vow not to step into another monsoon feeling helpless

The more I dig, the more I appreciate simpler times. For farming to yield better results, it seems like we need to go back to a time before monocropping took over the world.

One of the methods of farming that fits right into the ethos of Beforest – is Polyculture. An agricultural system where complementary plants are grown together. I believe one of the most quoted examples of this, is “three sisters” cultivated by Native Americans, consisting of squash, corn, and beans

In Coorg, almost every coffee plantation has pepper wines winding up the trunk, cardamom growing in the cool shade underneath and maybe even some turmeric.

Firstly, growing more produce in a smaller space instantly reflects a higher per – acre yield. Added to this, if we follow methods of permaculture, we are able to replicate this at scale on the entire landscape.

Applied the right way, Polyculture can be a very efficient method of farming. For example, growing multiple crops on the same land, reduces footprint, while making the production efficient. Pest repellent crops, planted with vegetables can reduce crop losses and completely eliminate the use of chemicals.

Another excellent benefit of polyculture is that we could use relay cropping to make sure there is harvest almost all year through. One of the biggest problems running a farm is retention of farm staff after harvest. This method even helps provide employment for farm staff all year round!

At Beforest, we keep referring to old wisdom to guide us. We follow Permaculture and any natural methods of farming that can enhance productivity while reducing the burden on the land. We are working at creating food forests – where much like polyculture, we will be growing multiple complementary crops mimicking a forest.

Long term growth comes when everyone and everything grows together. This is perhaps the most important aspect of Permaculture – Fair Share, People Care and Earth Care. And we keep our eyes open for all that is good for the soil, people, flora and fauna in and around our collectives!

I have had the fun of experiencing heavy monsoons in different parts of the country – the ones that will stay with me for life are the rains of Coorg and Mumbai.

My time in Coorg was largely during school holidays. By the end of the month, there was a constant drizzle all day long and heavy downpour by evening. But this never stopped us from going about our plans. ‘Gum boots’ and umbrellas on, we would walk everywhere – to the market, to visit relatives.

When we returned home, we would head straight to the backyard. There, inside a tall upturned wicker basket, was a pan of hot coal sprinkled with some wonderful smelling benzoin resin (Sambrani). This simple apparatus was like a warm hug on a cold, wet day. We would sit there for hours talking, while the clothes dried out on the basket.

Much later, we moved to Mumbai. Whatever is said about Mumbai rains – is true! The experience was frustrating and rewarding. To add to the mix, we chose to live in the outskirts called – Marve. The area was not as crowded but it meant, we frequently took the ferry.

My days during monsoon were dictated by the high or low tide of the sea! Lashing rains took over Marve early each morning and sitting in the comfort of my home, I had to decide if I was ready to brave it all or not.

During a high tide, the city roads would be gushing with flowing rain water, rising by the hour. The ferry would stop plying for some time, till the tide went down. And all you could do was wait.

But without a doubt, I have also enjoyed Mumbai rains. This was most often on the days off work and school. There were many times we drove to the beach, or stayed home reading by the window with a cup of tea in hand, or just splashed around in the playground with the kids. No complaints, what didn’t break me, only made me stronger 😀

I hope you have taken the time to enjoy rains too. We would love to hear your stories this monsoon

To me, vacations meant travel. Summer break was a time away from home, friends, books and school. We travelled every year, usually to my grandparents’ homes in Madikeri, Coorg.

My maternal grandparents’ home was a picture of warmth. A small cosy home, but seeped in love. My grandfather would grind fresh dosa batter by hand in a big grinding stone kept in an alcove under the stairs. We kids would sit next him listening to stories – fascinated by the magic that turned dull soaked rice into a soft white cloud of batter. The rhythmatic churning was almost therapeutic.

Much like Malgudi days, my cousin and I would have many afternoons free to loiter around the backyard and around the neighbourhood. This was it. Stories, play and long summer days. The house had beautiful nooks and corners. Old letters and nick-knacks from my mother’s childhood forgotten in the attic.

Cool red oxide floor under my feet and warm sunshine coming in through the single glass tile in my grandfather’s attic – office. To this day, I miss that home.

Each year summer vacations were exactly the same. But instead of being a boring routine, it gave me grounding and support that has surely carried me through many good and not so good cycles of life.

To this day, I would trade a trip to a swanky city with a trip to a village. Many Indian villages are made of the same fabric – Simplicity and content. I hope you have all, at some point had the privilege of enjoying such times.

Cheers!

I heard the first of a song by Koel yesterday. The sound loud and clear reminds me – Summer’s coming. The Indian Summer is harsh but there are so many wonderful memories associated with it – it’s impossible not to feel elated

As a child, my Summer vacations were textbook-perfect. We traveled to the hills of Coorg, where my Grandparents lived in a quaint house, with cascading flowers all around and sunny red steps. 

One of my best memories is of wild mangoes in cane baskets in the backyard, with us kids hovering around like bees till everyone arrived at the scene. Eating mangoes easily turned into a loved family ritual. Sitting on steps and the floor, we didn’t need to care about the juices dripping down. Stories, anecdotes, laughter – sticky fingers and sticky smiling happy faces. 

There was also a well, we could draw water from to drink and wash up. For us city kids this was as enjoyable a task as eating the mangoes! 

Moments of tranquility crept up on you at unlikely places. The sunny steps, the temple courtyard, the sight of the single avocado tree in my granny’s garden surrounded by bushes of flowers. 

I think eventually we are all looking for some such moments of peace. This, in my opinion, comes from the very basics – family time, bird song, plucking your own fruit, drinking from a clean stream of water 

My journey to beforest was in search of such peace, as has been for many of our members. I believe I am close to the dream with this step. I have also met wonderful people who share this dream with me. Looking forward to great times ahead.

To the collectives and its members, Beforest, is similar to a CEO to an organisation. The members are true owners of this dream and Team Beforest is a dedicated enabler. 

With the team of experts and hands on ground, we have built, what we may call a ‘House’ with a solid foundation. It is now the time to make it a ‘Home’. A place that connects members & their families to the team on ground, to the land, the wildlife and the plant life and the community that surrounds our landscape with one another seamlessly. 

Over the past 3 years, we have managed to bring together a group of people who were aligned to a common goal – a sustainable lifestyle, a responsible lifestyle that does not ask to give up economic goals. Now it is up to us and the members to put our heads together and plan exciting activities and initiatives to take the collectives to the next level. 

Ideas really start to flow when we get together.  For example, the suggestion to set up a Poomaale Foundation to support various causes was one such initiative proposed by members. Another example is the solar power set up capability and cows at the Hyderabad Collective – both came from within the member community. 

We must make the most of the time we have, despite the pandemic situation. The Beforest Virtual Office, Whatsapp Groups and Quarterly Member meets are great forums to catch up. While in the city, we could easily meet up for fun activities like cycling trips, hikes, workshops, virtual webinars, dinners and coffee!

Once the Blyton Bungalow is up and running, we can head frequently to the Poomaale Collective for wonderful forest activities like Forest Walks, Star Gazing, Bird Watching, Hikes, Camping, Meditation & Yoga Camp! 

The possibilities are endless and the times ahead are exciting to say the least!

Whenever you visit a traditional home in Coorg, the first thing you are likely to notice as you step inside the gates is a Woody fragrance. This generally emanates from the courtyard that has lent Itself to the drying of coffee beans over the years.

Coffee is deeply embedded in the lives of people from this region.

Almost like an R K Narayan novel, everyone is somehow or the other linked to the growing of coffee.  Neighbours, classmates, school teachers, vegetable vendors – would all invariably have worked at or owned a coffee estate or a related service. 

Coffee almost forms the fabric of this region. When we took on a coffee plantation to set up the first Beforest Collective, we essentially enrolled to be a part of this fabric.

And there was no better time to soak in the culture and traditions, than join hands during the harvest season. Poomaale is currently harvesting coffee of the season. Each day, everyone works all-hands-on-deck in some capacity or the other.

The pure joy and peace that comes from sharing laborious work, some jokes and a simple meal is indescribable. Even those of us on Team Beforest, who work from a desk, make it a point to spend at least a few days during harvest season at Poomaale.

We are often rewarded with old stories and songs around the campfire and a hearty night’s sleep is guaranteed.

Coffee is harvested in 2 blocks each year – sometime between January and March and again between October and December. If you find that you can get away from the city during these seasons, do make it a point to visit Poomaale and share this wonderful time with us.