Wwoof- india (Willing Workers on Organic Farms)

A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.) We are new in this business and looking forward for experienced volunteers who can stay longer and help in the development of organic farm. • How long you have been doing Organic Farming Beginner • Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency N.A  • Suggested length of stay for volunteers 6 to 12 weeks • Accommodations (number and type) 4 double rooms • Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.) N.A • Expectations of work for volunteers: development of organic farm • Is transportation available? yes • Languages spoken Hindi/ English • Can you host children or pets? yes • Special diets Indian veg and Indian non veg • And any other specifics for your farm: We are the group of young farmers having agriculture land situated in the different area of all adjoining Districts e.g. Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, kaithal etc starting from 10 acre to 40 acre of agriculture land and presently doing our regular farmingwe would like to start organic farming with our one or two acre of land so that we can learn gradually and increase organic farming on later stage

IND 098Farm name   : Swadeshi Farms Contact name  : Uma Shankari Location (address and description of land) : Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India. 517152. 10 acres of land ; hilly country, 900 mm rainfall per annum, borewell irrigated, can grow a variety of crops. A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.): We have been growing paddy, sugarcane, made into jaggery (brown sugar), want to start making crystal sugar, ground nut, vegetables, spices like chillies, turmeric. We also have a coconut garden, and mango gardens. We have been active in the environment movement, farmers movement and movement for land reforms. How long you have been doing Organic Farming : Since 1993. Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency: No. We believe in Participatory Guarantee System. We are well known for our credibility. Suggested length of stay for volunteers : 3 to 6 months. If they would like for longer Accommodations (number and type) : Can host 4 to 6 persons each in single or shared rooms.Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.) : a forestation program, education program, marketing of organic products, alternative energy program, etc. Expectations of work for volunteers : take care of a few cows, help with farm operations. Is transportation available? Yes, bothe public and private transportation available.Languages spoken : English, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi. Can you host children or pets? : yes, a dog or cat. Not outlandish pets like frogs or crocodiles.Special diets : I am a dairy-vegetarian.And any other specifics for your farm: If interested persons have any queries that can be answered.

IND 099Farm name: Dumpal Khadin Organic Farm Contact name: Shivnath Singh (“Shiva”) Location of land):: Jaisalmer , Rajasthan Pin no: 345001 A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc: If you are in Jaisalmer Rajasthan , and are interested in getting off the well-beaten tourist path, there is an organic farm and wonderful family that would welcome your visit. Dumpal Farm is approximately 20 km from the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan; it's owner, is in the process of cultivating this land further by experimenting with food crops that can be grown sustainably and organically in sandy, desert soil. Visitors and volunteers are invited to participate in farm work, building new mud and cow-dung huts, herding goats and being a part of community life. The village consists of an extended family living in 5-6 households. Those interested in teaching and interacting with young children will love Shivnath's nieces and nephews. The main crops at the farm are millet,chickpeas, mustard, three types of lentils, watermelon and cucumber. There is also coriander, cumin and fenugreek, as well as a number of fruit trees.Current projects: At the moment, the accommodation on the farm consists of a hut without electricity or plumbing. Over the next few months, volunteers have the exciting opportunity to help build more of these traditional Rajasthani huts, made from sand and cow dung with thatched roofs,which take 15 to 20 days to build with the help of three people. We would like to build two more huts, a kitchen, and a bathroom.We are also interested in generating electricity through solar power, so volunteers with an interest or basic understanding of intermediate technology would be very welcome at the farm. How long you have been doing Organic Farming? The farm has been in Shiva’s family for generations. Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency:Not currently certified. Suggested length of stay for volunteers Short stays are welcome, but to gain the most from your time at the farm, we recommend one week or more. Day visits are negotiable. Accommodations (number and type) The accommodation on the farm currently consists of a traditional Rajasthani hut, made from sand and cow dung with a thatched roof, without electricity or plumbing. The desert is lit by a very bright moon at night, though candles will be provided. We hope to establish another two huts, a kitchen, and a bathroom in the upcoming months. We also hope to generate electricity using solar energy. Volunteers with enthusiasm for, and/or experience in these areas are very welcome Food: Until a kitchen is built, traditional vegetarian food will be prepared for volunteers and visitors on an open fire, or in local family’s homes. Once the kitchen is built, people staying at the farm will be supplied with ingredients and will be able to prepare their own meals. Water: Volunteers and visitors are welcome to use the local water, which can be boiled to make sure it is safe for drinking. Alternatively, mineral water can be provided. Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.)The farm is located close to a small village of a few houses, and is the perfect environment to learn about the local culture and gain firsthand experience of activities such as cooking, Ayurvedic medicine, and yoga. Stayingat the farm also gives volunteers and visitors the chance to interact with local children, explore villages further afield, and meet gypsies, famous for their music and dance. The children in the village do not attend school, so the farm also gives volunteers and visitors the opportunity to practice both Hindi and English with school-aged children.Expectations of work for volunteers Volunteers are expected to work four to six hours a day, six days a week. This can change depending on the time of year, since it can get very hot in the summer.Is transportation available?The easiest way to reach the farm is by contacting us first, and we can arrange for a rickshaw to pick you up. This should cost between Rs200-250 Languages spoken Rajasthani, Hindi, English. Can you host children or pets? Negotiable Special diets? Mostly vegetarian; dietary restrictions can be discussed with Shiva.

IND 100Farm name: ADISIL CHOLAI Contact name: Balasubramanian Location (address and description of land): 4 acres of Land located in, Madurai – 625706, Tamil Nadu, India A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.): ADISIL CHOLAI is a small farm run for the promotion of organic farm in this area. We are developing permaculture.    How long you have been doing Organic Farming: For the past 10 years Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency: Tamilnadu Organic Farming Certification Suggested length of stay for volunteers: One week to one month Accommodations (number and type): Thatched Huts, Rooms for 5 persons Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.): Permaculture, Rainfed farming and food processing Is transportation available?: Yes Languages spoken: Tamil, English Can you host children or pets?: Yes Special diets: As per their need And any other specifics for your farm: We have long experienced organic experts

IND 101  Farm name : Nityanandpad Ashram·  Contact name : Swami Rameshwar Das·  Location (address and description of land) Nityanandpad Ashram Post Haldu Chour , Dist Nainital , Uttrakhand . One can reach the Ashram from Lal kuan Railway station by Auto rickshaw Haldu chour . From Haldwani Halduchour is 13 KM·  A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.) Cowshed (Gaushala) for the destitute, weak, ill, handicapped, neglected cows with support of all you people. Cow has been titled as "Gau-Mata" (Cow Mother) in our Dharma Shastras and by our seers and saints. But today that "Gau-Mata" is not being seen only in barns and grazing fields but also in slaughterhouses and roads in very piteous state.Gau-Mata is considered to be heavenly and sacred, even Goddess Lakshmi chosed cow's dung as her domicile.·  How long you have been doing Organic Farming 10 years·  Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency No·  Suggested length of stay for volunteers 2 weeks to as long as the Visa is valid·  Accommodations (number and type)Basic accommodation in Ashram for 10 persons·  Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.) This Gurukal is envisaged by Swamiji to develop great citizens with excellent academic performance enriched with our beautiful culture. The school curriculam is designed and executed to give personal care to each individual student and give refined and superior personality from the age 6 onwards. The teaching system is unique with international educating sustems being used to develop the knowledge very fast. Shri Maharaj ji guide the school directly with personal care. ·Expectations of work for volunteers Help in look after the Cows, Vermicompost making , Cow Urine collection , Cow dung collection, Construction activities , Coaching the students of nearby village and all the help needed in the Ashram·  Is transportation available? Yes cycles Languages spoken Hindi and Sanskrit. Can you host children or pets? Yes · Special diets Vegetarian

IND 102 Farm name    Amar Natural Farms Contact name  Capt SS Sran Location (address and description of land) Hanumangarh Jn, Dist Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, India-335512..A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.)We follow natural farming suitably modified to local conditions, with aim of self- sufficiency. Orchards of Keenu (Citrus fruit), Guava, Pomegranate, Amla, and rice (paddy), wheat, pulses, millets are grown as main crops, with intercropping of aloe vera, garlic, onions, chilies, fenugreek, and seasonal vegetables. Also plants of Imli, Jamun, & varieties of mango. Cows of local breeds, for FYM, and in-house pesticides and anti-fungal preparations. How long you have been doing Organic Farming Since 2004.Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency Yes, by Indocert.Suggested length of stay for volunteers As per their desire, as at our farm, the work goes on through- out the year due to variety of crops.Accommodations (number and type)- Upto 2rooms, with bath and toilets, but not attached, with electricity, fan, lights, and wifi being installed. Non-farming opportunities/ activities Water storage tank construction of one sq acre will be undertaken this year, led-solar lanterns, and solar powered pumps are planned to be installed this year, also water harvesting is under taken during rains. Expectations of work for volunteers Due to proximity to town, but at same time it’s a Farmhouse location, to maintain interaction with farmhands only, to maintain the routine of farm activity Is transportation available? Jeep Languages spoken Elementary French, English, Hindi, Punjabi & Marwari. Can you host children or pets? Yes, but not advisable due harsh climate. Special diets – Occasionally when the family visits during holidays. basic rural north indian food will be available with variety of breads, porridge, khicdis etc.

IND 103 Farm name BHAL HOTEL Farm Contact Name MEHMOODDESAILocation

(address and description of land) Near Velavdar National Park Dist: Bhavnagar Gujarat State A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.)Vegetable Farming How long you have been doing Organic Farming No. As we want to start Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency No Suggested length of stay for volunteers One Month Accommodations (number and type)1 Cottage ( Max. 4 pax) Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.) NA Expectations of work for volunteers To Teach our local farmers and in house staff basic of Organic Farming Is transportation available? Yes Languages spoken Gujarati and English Can you host children or pets? No Special diets Any And any other specifics for your farm Total area to be developed 4 hac for Organic farming

IND 104Farm name: Blossom Dayspring Home Contact name:  MercyAnnapoorni  Location (address and description of land): Madurai District 625701 South of Tamil Nadu state. It is 11 km outside Virudh Ngar on 9 acres of land. A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.) Crops include ladyfingers, eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, chilis, and onions.  There are also coconut and banana trees.  We have chickens, goats, and cows, and hope to install a biogas plant and initiate a dairy farm this year.  We need assistance in renovating the poultry shed and establishing a drip irrigation system.How long you have been doing Organic Farming:  Just began this year. Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency: Not yet, because the farm must be running for three years to become certified. Suggested length of stay for volunteers:  Minimum one month Accommodations (number and type):  Two rooms that can accommodate two volunteers.  Rooms include toilet and shower. Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.)  Volunteers can teach English or any other lessons to the children living on the farm.  We are also hoping to set up a biogas energy source, irrigation system, and renovation of poultry sheds, as well as erecting two thatched houses.  Construction skills would be welcomed. Expectations of work for volunteers:  Volunteers are expected to work five to eight hours a day depending on ability, and will be compensated with all meals and accommodation.  Is transportation available?  Yes, the farm has access to a jeep, motorbike, and the local bus.Languages spoken: Tamil, English Can you host children or pets?  Yes  Special diets:  We cook and serve vegetarian food, but can accommodate any diet. And any other specifics for your farm The farm also includes a home for under-privileged children funded by Blossom.

IND 105 Farm name Amchivadi Contact name : Raajen Singh Location (address and description of land) Located in a tribal village in Thane about 100 kms from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Mahrashtra. High rainfall area with monsoon from June-October - part of the western ghat region A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.) : Crops cultivated include rice vegetables, fruits and pulses in a 2 acre farm at the base of a forested hill How long you have been doing Organic Farming - Organic since 10 years Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency-No Suggested length of stay for volunteers- Depends, but a initial short stay of 3-5 days will be better for both the parties to decide on the duration of stay, preferably 3-5 days between October- April. Accommodations (number and type)- One independent simple brick/tiles house with toilet facilitiesas of now, two persons sharing a room but if there is a larger group, we can plan it with other members of the Mumbai Organic Farmers and Consumers Association (MOFCA).Non-farming opportunities/ activities - Sharing tribal life and engaging with them on their issues, participating in organic farming and weekly supply to consumers in Mumbai, visits to other organic farms close by activities.Expectations of work for volunteers- Work in the farm and must in some way contribute to the development of organic farming and alternate low-carbon life styles. Is transportation available? Yes from Mumbai by train/bus and last leg by auto rickshaw Languages spoken- English, Hindi, Marathi Can you host children or pets? Yes Special diets- Depends, but we can provide non-oil vegetarian special food And any other specifics for your farm - The farm produces organic vegetables for the Mumbai Organic Farmers and Consumers Association (MOFCA) MOFCA is a collective of organic farmers near Mumbai who supply weekly vegetables to about 150 household in the city in season. The volunteers van also spend time on the other organic farmer who are members of MOFCA

IND 106 Farm name Sapney Organic Farm Contact name Snehal Trivedi / Ilumalai Location (address and description of land) Auroville, Kottakarai Village, Tamilnadu Soil with red / clay / and some pebbles A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.) Heal The Soil - CSA - Community Supported AgricultureWith the help of organic farming experts, community leaders and voulnteers, we help start-up small vegetable gardens in village homes, provide seeds and training to local people to grow their own organic veg and fruits in their own premises. We also conduct day long 'introduction to permaculture' workshops time to time for volunteers. "One Seed At A Time, One House At A Time" Creating Village Home Gardens Growing Organic Food & Medicinal Plants Providing Fresh Food & Income For The Local Community Permaculture Education & Training Generating Local Economy How long you have been doing Organic Farming One of our family member has 30 years of experience in organic farming and medicinal herbs and plants Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency None Suggested length of stay for volunteers 15 days minimum stay between April to July, 2 days max stay between August to March Accommodations (number and type) Max Two Woofers - Dorm stay built with natural materials in traditional style Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.) Helping out with our restaurant serving local & organic food and drinks, natural building, sustainable economy models Expectations of work for volunteers Min 6 hours per day, 6 days a week. Is transportation available?None for personal use but pickup and drop can be arranged on request Languages spoken Tamil, Hindi, Gujarati, EnglishCan you host children or pets? Yes Special diets Preferably Vegan or Veg And any other specifics for your farmProhibited & Illegal Substances strictly NOT allowed Please Book 15 days in advance Feel free to ask for more detailsLooking forward to 'Heal The Soil' and plant the 'Seeds Of Change'

IND 107 Farm nameDARSHAN FARMContact name DARSHAN Location (address and description of land) -, TLK-T.NARASIPURA, DIST-MYSORE, STATE -KARNATAKA, LAND 8- ACRES, ONE BOREWELL& WITH CANAL IRRIGATION (WATER PROVIDED IN MONTH OF NOV-JAN) A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.)- IN OUR REGION LITTLE IS KNOWN ABOUT ORGANIC FARMING, MOSTLY THE FARMERS HERE ARE USED TO FACTORY FERTILIZERS/PESTICIDES, THE MOST GROWN CORP IN OUR REGION ARE TOMOTO, CHILLIES, RICE,RAGI, CUCUMBER ETC, THRU ONE OF MY FRIENDS HELP I STARTED ORGANIC ACTIVITY, IT WILL TAKE ME SOMETIME TO LEARN THINGS, AS I HAVE STARTED THIS ACTIVITY, MORE LIKE MINDED PPL WILL HELP ME MORE TO SUCCESS THE ACTIVITY How long you have been doing Organic Farming- 6 MONTHS Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency- NO Suggested length of stay for volunteers- 2 WEEKS ( 5 HRS WORK/DAY) Accommodations (number and type)- DORMITORY - 6 People OR TWO SEPARATE BEDROOMS- 2 COUPLES- ONE TOILET CUM BATH ROOM ( WESTERN TYPE) Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.)- PLANNING TO START LIVE STOCK , WATER SHED PROGRAM AND RAIN WATER HARVESTING Expectations of work for volunteers- WORK IN FIELD LIKE WATERING THE PLANTS AND GARDEN, WEEDING, COLLECTION OF VEG, FEEDING OF DOGS , PLOUGING/ MANURING, KITCHEN HELP Is transportation available? YES Languages spoken- MOSTLY KANNADA, ENGLISH, HINDI Can you host Children or pets – YES SPECIAL DIETS - RAGI BALLS Any other specifics for your farm LIKE TO HAVE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE LITTLE IDEA ABOUT ORGANIC AND WATER SHED/RAIN WATER HARVESTING

IND108 Farm name: Gulmohur Farms Contact name: Vijay Nambissan Location (address and description of land): , Bangalore” Location: Within BDA limits, Off Old Madras Road, East Taluk, Bangalore KARNATAKA, 560 049 A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc): 6.5 acres, totally organic, no chemical pesticides or fertilizers used, growing fruit trees- mangoes, sapota, pomegranate, gooseberry, lime, guava, papaya, etc., also teak, silver oak, cocoanut, ayurvedic plants, etc., also amercian hybrid corn, garden vegetables, etc. in addition we have a diary with 4 cows- 1 jersey and 3 HF, 3 calves, one cow expecting, all cows having their first birth on the farm, and supplying milk to the local KMF diary How long you have been doing Organic Farming: 1996 Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency: No Suggested length of stay for volunteers: Up to them Accommodations (number and type): three independent cottages with all amenities, fully plug-and-play, can host in all 6-7 members at a time Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc.): civil construction work in progress, volunteers welcome Expectations of work for volunteers: agricultural, dairy, kitchen, civil construction Is transportation available? Yes Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Tamil, Kanada, Telugu, Malayalam Can you host children or pets? Yes Special diets: Yes And any other specifics for your farm: nothing that can be put in word.

IND109 Farm name -  Hadimba Utsav –Upvan Contact name  -Anmol Location (address and description of land)- Manali, Distt Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India (apple ,apricot garden ) A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.)Apple ,cherry, apricot, garden. growing organic vegetables & herbs,holistic sustainable living in Himalayas How long you have been doing Organic Farming –25years Whether the farm is certified (if yes) name of certification agency-no Suggested length of stay for volunteers -1-4week (long stay possible after may 2011) Accommodations (number and type)for 10 woofers, shared rooms, one and two seater rooms, tents Non-farming opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, aernative energy, etc.) Fencing, painting, volunteer work with village kids, exhibitions of weaver products, protection of cows, chickens, dogs, puppies ,herbs picking ,&collecting firewood in forest. Expectations of work for volunteers- 5 hours / day ,We welcome anyone for creative involvement or particular knowledge of or interest in plants, farming and earth care. This is an evolving project and we are open to new ideas. Is transportation available? Yes Languages spoken –Hindi, English, Can you host children or pets?- Yes with contribution Special diets – Vegetarian food ,eggs, local honey, phulka, poori-potato, samulina, poha, soya vadi, rajmah ,parantha, Dal-rice, naturally growing veg in forest and himalayan dishes like siddu, sepu, madra, seera, lingdi, mushroom ,sometime western food, cheese &local goat meat, Drinks-herbal tea, chai, butter milk, banana lassi, ginger-jaggery t ea, herbal sharbat And any other specifics for your farm- trekking on non-touristy routes, day treks in deodar-woods, joining local festivals and fairs, weddings, celebrations, enjoy family life with international visitors, living in harmony with nature, cooking classes, visiting Buddhist monasteries, ancient temples, hot caves, hot water springs ,study spiritual books, Yoga-.Meditation sessions, chanting, devotional songs and other curriculum activities according time.

IND 110 Farm name    Nanak Kheti Contact name  Main Coordinator Kuldeep Bassi, Facilitator: Tom Deiters Location (address and description of land): Southern Punjab, Sangrur District, Town: Lehragaga, possibility to stay in numerous villages in surrounding area . Punjab is the heart of the Green Revolution, and considered bread basket of India. Hence lot of chemical farming with its problems: cancer, kidney failures, suicides because of debts etc.. Nanak Kheti is an organic/natural farming self-help group of Punjabi farmers in Lehragaga area who are committed to organic/natural farming. There are different type of farmers involved. Most of them do organic farming on a small piece of land mostly for their own use and the rest is chemical. There is one small-farmer involved who is doing traditional farming for a long time and is using no chemicals at all on all of his land. There are also teachers involved. Call  coordinators for instructions and detailed information: One could get a train from Delhi to Jakhal (Punjab) around 4 hours journey and there pick-up can be arranged or local bus to Lehragaga.  Another way is to take the bus from Chandigarh to Patiala (Punjab) around 1 1/2 hours, there is a local person who can assist in Patiala From Sunam there is a local bus to Lehragaga around 45 minutes or alternatively the coordinator might be able to take you along.