Wwoof- india (Willing Workers on Organic Farms)

Are you certified? No. This farm, of the HEBGS fulfils all the parameters under which a farmland is deemed organic. This has been so ever since its inception at least five generation ego (nearly about 100 years), when it was established by village elders. The reason for this is primarily its location, as the farm is singularly surrounded by hundreds of hectares of reserved forest; i.e. there is no ambient contamination from nearby farms and other lands. In effect it provides conditions for a naturally sterilized laboratory situation right in the middle of the forest, in order to carry out organic experimentation. Besides, as is well known, the role of institutions providing certification is itself suspect. However, since such certifications are a statutory requirement for marketing and commercial up scaling of the produce, we shall acquire the same as and when the need arises and our resources allow us to do so. Our Organization also has a education centre in the valley with our office where we are currently offering computer software classes, hoping that their digital and cyber skill will dovetail in the spread of traditional knowledge, besides giving them the basis to succeed in whichever profession they wish to choose as their livelihood opportunities. Teaching other skills and trades we can also help slow down the city migration and offer our village tools to make an income. We would like to eventually teach computer hardware, toy making, knitting, and bee keeping, etc. Apart from their inputs at the farm, this is an area where differently skilled volunteers can prove to be very useful.We welcome volunteers who want to live in a small Uttarakhand village to come and teach any skill they would like to share. Suggested length of stay We welcome anyone to contact us and stay for any period of time, depending on what they are interested in helping with. Volunteers staying for less then 15 days have to pay a minimal amount of 300 rupees per day for their food only, and Volunteers staying for more then One month will be not charge for their stay. Accommodation If working on the garden site, we are just finishing the building that has 2 bedrooms and a shared bathroom/toilet as well as a kitchen. There is always a helping hand available for the preparation of the meal. But the happy experience has been that all the people at the farm pitch in to make it a communal event in the best traditions of collective self-help. Food becomes creative, interesting and fun when people from different background intelligently use organic inputs from the farm for culinary experimentation. If working in the village, you have your own small apartment with bedroom and equipped kitchen where you can make your meals. There is a separate bathroom/toilet. Expectation of volunteers To help out with current projects, use their skills and experience to enrich and develop as well as enjoy the silence and natural beauty of the Kumaon hills. We live life at a easy nice pace, so whenever you need time off there is plenty of opportunity to do so. Diet We cook vegetarian but you are welcome to cook eggs and/or meat if you wish to. Other specifics Peaceful Kesar Devi and Almora are short distances away if you need to get things or have an outing. All are welcome to experience an ethnic Indian village life with us.

IND 176 Farm name: Varun Organic Model Farm Contact name: Mr. Rajbir Singh Location (address and description of land): Hoshangabad , Mandideep, Bhopal (M.P.) Even though Bhopal is the capital city of M.P. famous for its lake and weather.It is connected all India by air, rail and bus.A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.): Varun Organic Model Farm is set up to facilitate the farmer specially aadivasi ( Tribals ) to produce organic. All type of training in crops growing, compost making, dairy, bee keeping, mushroom growing, horticulture, aromatic and herbal plants as companion plant and their sustainable use. How long you have been doing Organic Farming: From last 10 years in various parts of the globe Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency: Applied for Suggested length of stay for volunteers: The stay period of 40 days is normal in natural farming, however they can stay as long as they want. Accommodations (number and type): A class accommodation will be provided Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.): We are doing alternate energy project from agro waste in collaboration with BARC Expectations of work for volunteers: To impart training and demonstration Is transportation available? : Yes Languages spoken : Hindi, English, Urdu, Punjabi Can you host children or pets?: No Special diets : Purely vegetarian diet And any other specifics for your farm Our farm is situated on the tributary of Betwa, an historic river on which famous Sanchi Stupa is 45 km from our farm. Panchmadi round about 180 km on the same Hoshangabad highway. The famous Chandheri fort famous for chandheri silk is 200 km from our farm, Panna, Khujrao and Narmada again 250 km, the famous marble ghat. The famous Bhojpur temple is just 10 km from our farm and The famous temple Orcha is just 260 km from our place. Famous Taj Mahl & Fatehpur Sikri, Gwalior Fort is in the vicinity of Bhopal.

IND 177 Farm name : AKHRA SREE SREE RADHAGOBINDA JEW MANDIR Contact name : Goutam Mondal Location (address and description of land) : Dist.- Burdwan, West Bengal, IndiaLand is lower & plain.A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.): We are just entering to Organic farming . There would be around 30 nos framer of each land area about 1 acre or less for organic farming/training. Rice, potato, onion, cabbage, florist, brinjal, radish, drum etc.How long you have been doing Organic Farming: Just entering to Organic Farming Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency: No, but can be done as applicable.Suggested length of stay for volunteers: We are new in this field; so, experienced / expert in Organic farming would be required to converting farming from traditional to Organic by the help of sound knowledge on organic farming with showing advantage on that and practical training to Farmers. We expect minimum 2 weeks to stay for better impact and may continue as he/she feels on requirement Accommodations (number and type) : In the village we can provide a room for two volunteers cooking can be done by himself/herself .Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.) : Spiritual activities including social work as per his/her choice.Expectations of work for volunteers: We are a new NGO at the village and engaged in spiritual and social work especially for small poor farmers. As we are entering the new field , i.e, organic Farming Farmer’s will act as per volunteers’ guideline. However Volunteers major workwould be (i) Concept of Organic Farming (ii) Benefits of switchover to Organic farming (iii) Effect of organic farming in terms of farmers expanses and earning vis-à-vis showing difference from traditional (chemical/synthetic) farming (iv) discuss about Organic fertilizers, pesticide etc. (v) discuss about costing of organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers. (vi) Motivation on converting Organic farming by showing better productivity against low expanses and effect of human being, lives and eco-system. (vii) Practical training/workshop at farmer’s field.In brief but not limited to following should be included in volunteers’ responsibility/work/training: Risk Minimizing Measures , Nutrient Management in Organic Agriculture , Method of application of bio-fertilizers , Composting , Organic Pest and Disease Management , Seed and Seed Treatment Techniques. Method of seed treatment Farm landscaping, Weed Management , Biodynamic Agriculture ,Is transportation available? – Yes. Nearest rail station- Dainhat, just before Katwa. Suburban local train available from Howrah- Bandel -Katwa. Nearest Bus stopis Akhra, adjoining the village, Kanla-katwa high way. Languages spoken : Bengali and EnglishCan you host children or pets? : noSpecial diets: Rice, roti, dal, fish, all kind of vegetable, goat meat, chicken, special sweet : rasgolla.And any other specifics for your farm : We, M/S AKHRA SREE SREE RADHAGOBINDA JEW MANDIR, a very small NGO engaged for social and spiritual work at our local place; Major board members are poor farmers. We are taking an initiation to introduce Organic Farming at our area. Several farmers from our village will be trainer to make conversion of their farming from traditional to Organic. Therefore we are expecting a help from WWOOF to fulfill that.

IND 178Farm name- Naigaon Contact name: Kerron VaishnavLocation (address and description of land),: Naigaon, (Near Ajanta and Ellora) Taluq Kannad Aurangabad.A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.): Wheat, Jawar, Bajra, Sugarcane want to implement organic farming.How long you have been doing Organic Farming:  Just started organic farming Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency: No Suggested length of stay for volunteers: Minimum stay 2 weeks Accommodations (number and type): 2 bhk flat ( 6 volunteers can stay )Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.)  Teaching in school, babysitting etcExpectations of work for volunteers: If they can help whatever with their expertise are.  Is transportation available?: Yes 24X7   Languages spoken:  English, Hindi   Can you host children or pets? Children OK at their risk but NO pets.Special diets: ( Vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner as per regula Indian diet )And any other specifics for your farm: One can visit the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves nearby

IND 179 Farm name KODEERI NATURE HOMEContact name K.MADHAVAN NAMBOODIRILocation (address and description of land) MALAPPURAM (Dist), KERALA, Pin:679592 Kodeeri farm consists of 3 acres of garden land elevated well drained sloping land with lateritic soil 2 acres of water logged land, very fertile clayey soil subjected to rice cultivation during summer after the water is drained off A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.) The estate consists of 3½ acres of farmland and 2 acres of rice field surrounding it. The land surrounding the house is organically farmed and is lush with coconut, mango, papaya, banana, betel nut, and medicinal/aromatic plantations. Milk from the farm cows is processed into curd and ghee. The biogas generated from cow dung and agricultural wastes is used for cooking whereas the slurry from the gas plant is used as manure within the farm. The farm is self sufficient to a large extent in food and energy. We have planted/protected more than about 150 species of medicinal herbs/trees in addition to endemic trees that provide green manure, timber, firewood and fruits. We have also protected a Sacred (Natural) grove which is a breeding ground for all the endemic flora & fauna.Thanks to the thick and diverse natural vegetation, both the number and species of bird life of the estate has increased many fold. We have identified more than 40 species of endemic species of birds and more than 15 varieties of butterflies. The water logged rice field at the edge of the farmland attract migratory birds as well. The ancient Indian value-systems and life styles were consciously chosen by wise men who knew the inevitability of respecting the laws of nature and the futility of attempting to control them. Living in harmony with nature was the rule rather than exception. Rediscovering and respecting this truth has become imperative in almost all walks of present day life. Kodeeri Nature Home (KNH) is a humble beginning in that direction. By joining us, you can experience the bliss of living naturally. How long you have been doing Organic Farming Since 12 Years Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency : It is not certifiedSuggested length of stay for volunteers : Depending up on the type of activity and season the volunteers might need to stay from one week to one month. In exceptional case and on mutual consent, longer stays can be consideredAccommodations (number and type) We can accommodate a maximum of 6 persons at a time on sharing basis, with common bath/toilet, and simple non-A/C accommodationNon-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.) Currently we offer volunteering positions within the following projects. Elephant care involves assisting in elephant care activities such as bathing, feeding, collecting fodder, cleaning the camp, cooking food for elephant and maintaining the elephant’s daily-care register.Bio-diversity programme involves planting, labelling and caring for trees and saplings along the project sites. Education Programmes involves teaching English or French and sharing the experiences of sustainable living and/or sustainable education programmes in your country/region. Participating in campaigns Documentation & Campaigning involves photography, cataloguing, blogging, web design, developing campaign and publicity materials, e-magazines and writing travelogues Expectations of work for volunteers Farming involves working in organic farmsconsisting ofrice cultivation (sowing, transplanting, harvesting etc.), vegetable, banana cultivation, spice collection, etc. Cow rearing involves milking of cows (manual), cleaning the cattle shed, collecting grass, feeding cows etc. Is transportation available? 10 minutes walk to the nearest bus station, from where you can go to the railway station by bus. You can also travel by bust to any part of Kerala. Languages spoken English, Hindi and Malayalam Can you host children or pets? Children are welcome, but pets are not Special diets Vegetarian food cooked in south Indian style

IND 180 Farm Name: Desert Organic Farm Cum Ranch Contact Name: Ms. Nandini Depawat  Location: Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India. Deshnoke (Bikaner) A brief description of organic activities:  We grow sustainable Desert products like corse cereals, desert fruits (like musk/water melons, plums etc.) cattle food (hey) and not the cash crops. we are very interested in the concept of permaculture, which is turning the desert and barren land into an arable land and create self-sufficiency.Therefore, we would like to invite volunteers from all around the world to work with our family In return, they can learn about desert culture and local village way of life and philosophy as well as History with a true local family.  Duration of Doing Organic Farming:  For a long time (20 yrs.) Suggested Length of Stay for Volunteers: One to two weeks in general.Accommodation: Huts at farm with proper basic amenities or at our house in Deshnoke. Non-Farming Activities and Opportunities: To promote equitable camel safari tourism;Camel is an integral part of desert life. With the availability of more than five hundred camels, the temple village Deshnoke has emerged as an ideal center for camel safari/Desert tours, but uneducated and poor camelmen are paid very little by hoteliers and safari houses and are exploited by them. So they are forced to sell their camels in Pushkar fair and shifting to cities in the search of other jobs. This has posed a serious threat to camels in Desert of discontinuation. For this we are intended to form a co-operative society of camel men to develop equitable tourism in Deshnoke, in the interests of both-camel men and tourists that provides camel safari/desert tour at reasonable prices. Volunteers can learn the desert and camel culture from the camel men and be a tour guide during the safari. Expectations of Work for Volunteers: General work at farm and daily chores (domestic help), help with our children, educational help for children of farmers and camel men.Transportation Availability: Deshnoke is connected directly with Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Amritsar and rest of the country by train/ bus services Language Spoken: English, Hindi Can host chilldren and pets: Yes we already work with them.Special Diet: We provide desert-grown organic food and milk products.Specifics of your Farm: I am a house wife Ms. Nandini Depawat, We are the priest family of the world famous Karnimata temple of rats, Deshnoke, Bikaner in Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. My Husband Mr. Babu Depawat is the author of 'GODDESS AND HER SACRED RATS' book on the temple, presently he is working on the others languages versions of the book. We follow the centuries old tradition of the temple to be the priest of the Temple by rotation. This six centuries old unique temple is dedicated to Goddess Karni, the incarnation of power (Goddess of sect of power). We are the descendents of the Goddess. We derive our surname 'Depawat' from the Goddess's husband Depa. Interestingly the temple is full of rats, spiritual fervor and unparalled beauty of sculpture. The temple has a beautiful museum where big pictures depicting the wholesome philosophy of the temple is displayed. Nowadays the temple is a centre of attraction of tourists from all over the world It is also a research centre for students and scholars from different countries. More than eighty thousand foreign tourists visit the temple every year. It is an attraction mentioned by almost every travel website.We have Camel/Desert safari as our family business. According to Trip Advisor we thereon as 'Deshnoke Camel Safari Day Tours' are the leading Safari House of the region. We have a Ranch cum Agriculture Farm deep inside the desert. Deshnoke is surrounded by small villages where people breed camels for selling so the desert nearby Deshnoke is like a 'camel park' We are intended to form a co operative society of these camel men. Volunteers are invited to join our family for help in family chores, look after our two children, Translation of the book in other languages, camel/desert safari business and help in our home dairy (domestic cows) in ranch cum agriculture farm and helping camelmen like educational help etc. Volunteers will be provided a private room in our home so that you have the unique opportunity to come to know a true local family or option to stay in farm. Three meals a day (desert grown organic food and milk products) volunteers are more than welcome to cook their own cusine in our kitchen.Access to a washing machine and laptop with internet. In their free time, volunteers have the opportunity to learn Indian cooking in my kitchen, learn about our local culture and customs, learn to do Henna, learn Hindi and learn cow milking with me if they wish. Moreover, there are several sites and activities worth visiting locally which we would love to take you to .Nearby is the historical city of Bikaner which is known as the city of one thousand havelis(heritage architecture). Bikaner is the best market of sweets in India, it is really a heaven for sweet lovers.The National Camel Research Centre where you can even try camel ice cream!-The Ayurvedic health care centre in Dehnoke. The opportunity to go on a camel safari for free. Many local festivities and celebrations . We have a Royal Enfield bullet motorcycle that can be used by our volunteers. Opportunity for French/Spenish students to learn and practice conversational English. At our ranch we have many horses so our project is heaven for horse lovers too.

IND 181 Farm name Vedic Ashram Contact name Ashutosh Location (address and description of land) Kausani Estate, Dist. Bageshwar, Uttarakhand , Kausani can be reached by bus from anywhere. Train is going up to Kathgodam. From there either by Bus or shared Taxi to Kausani via Almora. If you come by shared taxi never pay him the full amount before he dropped you at destination! The take your money until Kausani and leave you at Almora saying you go further with a "friend's car" - only you will have to pay him again! This happened to so many guests of ours, even to Indians. A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.) We try to  be self-sufficient as much as possible mainly with vegetables for our ashram that has 40 Vedic students, 12 Acharyas + staff. Our cows produce enough milk for everyone. We have 5 acres of land owned plus a lot of land leased in addition for cultivation and grass for the cows. We have several poly-houses. We cultivate all sorts of vegetables, corn, madya (black millet), fruit trees (Apples, Apricots, Peaches, Guavas, Banana, Pears)  How long you have been doing Organic Farming Since Nov 2006 Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency As we produce for our own consumption its not of any interest or need to us Suggested length of stay for volunteers Any time a few days to a few years. Accommodations  (number and type) We have guest rooms with attached bathrooms and floor heating for the cold period. At the moment we have 3 double and one single room. It will change as we are constructing more. Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.) There is usually enough work in the garden, but if needed and the wwoofer doesn't mind there may be some time an urgency or need for other kind of help. In repairing something according to skill of the wwoofer guest. Expectations of work for volunteers As we are primarily a Vedic Ashram (Vidyapeeth) where teaching of Veda and Vedic culture is going on the whole day we expect the wwoofer to have an appreciation and respect for it in general and a general interest  for meditation and yoga. preparing fields by tilling it one foot deep and mix in cow dung and compost. Cleaning existing fields from weed. Depending on the time of the year cutting and collecting grass for cattle. Collecting leaves for composting Is transportation available?  We have cars, so if needed they can call us. But about 500 meters one has to walk. Languages spoken Ashutosh Urs is a born Swiss, speaking German, French, English and Hindi. General language spoken by everyone in the ashram is Hindi, Kumaoni, Garhwali, Oria, Bihari, Assami, Nepali Can you host children or pets? Yes but the wwoofer is responsible for them. Special diets Food served is strictly vegetarian and any smoking or alcohol is not permitted inside the property And any other specifics for your farm Welcome! Kausani is famous for tis beautiful view of the HImalaya range. Mahatma Gandhi named it the Switzerland of India. There is a museum in the Anashakti Ashram of Gandhiji.  A nearby place of touristic interest is the archeological Vaidyanath Temple, famous for its big fishes. A day travel away is the Jyotirling Temple Jageshwar. There are nice walks in the vicinity like to the remote Rudradhari temple, a cave temple in a idyllic valley near Katly village. Many more walks up in the nearby mountains. 

IND 182 IND 182Farm name  Dragonfly Organic Farms Contact name  Rajnish Radhakrishnan Location (address and description of land) Salem District, Tamilnadu, INDIA Located at an altitude of 825 meters in the East Ghat Hill Ranges of India, located 70 Km from the City of Salem, Tamilnadu, 270 Km from Bangalore Karnataka, and 320 Km from Chennai, Tamilnadu.  Public transportation is available from each of these cities and the access roads are very good