Latur farmer Mahadev Gomare transformed his fortunes with bamboo cultivation and the nutrition garden model
The mention of Latur district in Maharashtra evokes drought, water scarcity, and agricultural problems. However, a farmer from this area not only transformed his own fortunes but also set an example of social change. At the center of this story are Mahadev Gomare and his partner Shantanu, who, in collaboration with the Art of Living, are improving the lives of farmers and women through bamboo cultivation and the nutrition garden model.
Bamboo farming became a ray of hope in the drought.
The farmer explains, “The biggest challenges in our area were water scarcity and soil erosion. Every year, fertile soil would be washed away with the rains.” To overcome this difficulty, he adopted bamboo cultivation. Bamboo is called “green gold” – its roots strengthen the soil, retain water, and protect crops from strong winds.
According to Mahadev Gomare, “Bamboo is the farmer’s bodyguard. It not only protects the soil but also provides farmers with a regular income after harvesting each year.” He explains that more than 400 farmers in Latur are currently benefiting from bamboo cultivation.
Bamboo farming is not only providing plants, but also providing employment.
Bamboo farming is not only beneficial for crop protection and the environment, it is also becoming a major source of employment. Mahadev Gomare plans to start a skill center where rural youth and women can learn to make bamboo products—such as furniture, decorative items, and household items. This initiative could open up new avenues for self-employment in villages.
The Nutrition Garden Model is about greater yields and better health in less land.
Mahadev Gomare’s second major initiative is the Nutrition Garden Model. This model is specifically for farmers and women with limited land and resources. The Nutrition Garden Model can be developed on one gantha (750 square meters) of land and cultivates fresh, nutritious vegetables daily.
The uniqueness of this model:
It consists of seven circular circles, divided into seven days of the week for different vegetables.
The middle section is for fruits like papaya or banana, or used as a compost pit.
The outermost circle is suitable for larger plants.
The paths within these circles are covered with bamboo canopies, allowing climbing plants like gourd and bitter gourd to grow easily.
This unique design not only enhances the farm’s aesthetics but also increases production. And importantly, it requires very little water consumption, which is very beneficial in areas like Latur.
The beginning of change for women
The Nutrition Garden model has opened up livelihood and self-reliance opportunities for village women. With less water and less cost, women are now meeting their own household nutrition needs and earning income from surplus produce.
Mahadev Gomare explains, “We have also implemented this model in the Zilla Parishad schools in Latur so that children can learn about nutrition and the importance of plants and trees.”
A boon for the environment too
Both bamboo cultivation and the Nutrition Garden model are proving to be a boon for the environment. Bamboo produces 30% more oxygen and absorbs more carbon dioxide from the air. The Nutrition Garden model also promotes organic farming, which reduces the use of chemicals and improves soil quality.
The Role of the Art of Living
The Art of Living organization not only trained farmers but also brought innovations like bamboo cultivation and the nutrition garden model to the grassroots. The organization’s objective is to empower farmers, increase employment opportunities in villages, and empower women.
Mango trees will return greenery and heritage to villages
Mahadev Gomare has launched the ‘Ek Laksh Aam Vruksh’ initiative, under which one lakh mango trees will be planted in Latur. This campaign is not only a step towards environmental improvement but also an effort to restore mango shade and biodiversity to villages.
Mango trees will become a permanent source of income for farmers
Mango trees thrive in less water and bear fruit for a long time. Mahadev Gomare considers this a kind of ‘pension scheme’ for farmers, allowing them to earn lakhs of rupees every year through natural farming.
Conclusion
The vision and hard work of farmers like Mahadev Gomare demonstrate that with noble intentions and clear direction, farming can become more than just a means of livelihood, but also a force for social change. Bamboo cultivation and the nutrition garden model are not only keeping agriculture alive in drought-prone areas like Latur, but are also leading to a prosperous, sustainable, and self-reliant society. Mahadev Gomare’s initiative could become the story not just of one farmer, but of thousands of villages – if we adopt and promote it.
Contact us: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to [email protected] or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy