GoodEarth is pursuing the efforts in regenerative agriculture, under the sister concern Petrichor, expanding farms in different agro-climatic zones with a growing number of enthusiastic youngsters.

Rebuilding soil carbon and re-establishing functional ecosystems in farm land is perhaps the most significant way forward to reverse climate change.

This year we are growing 16 varieties of rice in our Muthanga farm, Petrichor’s own rice bowl. Apart from growing food, our effort is to develop the science, package of practices for nutrient and disease management, improve soil health by rebuilding the ecosystem, develop our own seed bank and get youngsters back to soil.

With climate change, agriculture and food security are under threat. Climate resilient agriculture is holistic and would require skills in agricultural science, geology, engineering apart from hands-on skills in farming.

A healthy soil will help produce nutrient-rich food, minimise water consumption, protect ecosystems, improve health of people and animals; and is the basis of the stability and sustainability of the living world.

Kambalanatti, the paddy transplanting last week in our fields in Muthunga brought out the traditional festive mood and the enthusiasm of hands-on experience of many who participated. Kambala means ploughed paddy fields, while natti refers to the process of planting paddy saplings. Kambalanatti, thus, is an agricultural dance performed during the paddy transplantation season.

The tribal men in white vests and mundu stood on the bund of the fields and played Cheeni (a wind instrument) and thundi (a small drum). While the tribal women clad in colourful mundu fashioned as skirts with blouses and a white towel slapped across the bosom, sang and danced in tune with the music, and planted the tender saplings with unsurpassable deftness, reinforced by tradition over generations.

August last year, we transplanted paddy in ten acres and grew as many as eight native varieties of rice. Today, a year after, we transplanted paddy in 20 acres and will be growing 16 varieties of rice. Growing native varieties of rice and bringing it to consumers through Petrichor, our organic store, we are enlivening the taste buds and rekindling passion towards a whole new array of culinary experiences.