Nestled in the valley between Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Redstone organic farm is a complete contrast to today’s life’s pace and style. Redstone, is a way for Mona, the owner, to set an example of how one can live a life in ‘sustainable’ manner.
Since the time I started working for an NGO, I realised the importance of living with limited resources. I got introduced to the term ‘sustainability’. To reduce my carbon footprint I took small steps of living without air conditioner, washing machine, etc. But deep down I knew that this is not enough. Neither for my life or environment.
Sustainability is best defined (from 1987 Bruntland Commission Report to UN) as development that meets the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Oooo… Interesting!
The Redstone organic farm is designed on the principles of Permaculture, a system simulating the patterns observed in natural ecosystem. Vegetables and fruits that support each other are planted together. Just to give an example, legumes were planted around a group of other plants as legumes releases nitrogen in the soil, that is required for most crops to thrive. The organic farm has desi mangoes, gooseberries, strawberries, onions, legumes, beetroots, turnips, shikakai and so on. Methane gas released from the cow dung is converted into bio gas, which later on is used for cooking. The dung slurry is later used for composting. The farm also has a solar cooker that cooks food when positioned in accurate angle for maximum heat.
The house yet modest in appeal, was big enough to accommodate approx 40 people. The house walls were layered with cowdung. This is an old-age Indian technique of dis-infecting the house. There were hammocks, rocking chairs and loungers to indulge in some quality time with family or self. The game room ensured that we all had a gala time catching up on some card games and carom. Mona also had huge collection of books on various topics but predominantly on farming, ecosystem and environment. Living in such an eco-system was refreshing and quite a learning experience.
However, I must admit that this place might not be everyone. People who do not have inclination towards learning an self-sustainable lifestyle might not enjoy such experience. But at same time this place can be quite an eye opener. For people wanting to live here for longer duration with zero cost, the owner offers two months volunteer program. The volunteer program is to assist Mona at the farm and learn sustainable techniques.
If you come across such similar home-stays or have your own eco-homes, please connect with us at email/insta/facebook/comment in this post.
Here is the visual tour of the place.
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