Case Studies
Awari
Restoring the Health of the Soil Through Natural Farming
Awari demonstrates how one individual’s understanding and practical effort can create a local example of farming that protects the land, supports health and encourages wider community learning.
VILLAGE OVERVIEW
A Village with a Long Association with Jeevan Vidya–Sah-Astitva
Charama Block, Uttar Bastar Kanker, Chhattisgarh
Early Jeevan Vidya Dialogue & Study
Natural farming on 0.5 acre land
Healthy people require healthy soil
Awari holds an important place in the history of Jeevan Vidya–Sah-Astitva dialogue in Chhattisgarh. Shri A. Nagraj, respectfully known as Babaji, visited the village and conducted a three-day introductory workshop. The discussions from this workshop were recorded and later became part of the background from which the book Jeevan Vidya: Ek Parichay was developed.
Members of Gayatri Parivar and other residents of the village were among the early participants. Through their involvement, Awari developed a long-standing association with the study and dialogue.
THE PRACTICAL INITIATIVE
Beginning Again with Half an Acre
After retiring from his profession as a teacher, a resident of Awari decided to work directly in agriculture. He began cultivating approximately half an acre of land as a demonstration of natural farming.
The purpose was not simply to produce a crop. It was to show that the health of human beings and the health of the land cannot be separated. The farm is being developed without chemical fertilisers, herbicides or insecticides.
“As long as the soil remains ill, the human being cannot remain healthy.”
— Natural Farmer, Awari
PRODUCTION AND WORK
Moving Towards Chemical-Free Cultivation
The initiative explores how farmers can gradually move towards natural farming without facing an unsustainable reduction in production. This is an important concern for farming families. A transition cannot succeed through ideals alone. It must also respond to questions of yield, household income, soil recovery and long-term reliability.
Through practical cultivation and continued dialogue, the farm is helping demonstrate that the shift can be gradual, locally adapted and economically considered.
The Approach Includes
- ✓Avoiding chemical fertilisers
- ✓Avoiding chemical herbicides and insecticides
- ✓Using natural and biological inputs
- ✓Protecting the long-term fertility of the soil
- ✓Observing the relationship between soil health and crop health
- ✓Sharing practical learning with neighbouring farmers
Health & Self-Regulation
Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy Families
When soil is repeatedly exposed to harmful chemicals, its biological life declines. Natural farming is understood not only as an agricultural technique but as part of a larger approach to wellbeing.
Education Through Practice
A Demonstration Farm as a Learning Space
The half-acre farm serves as a practical educational space. Instead of explaining natural farming only through meetings, the initiative allows other farmers to observe the land, cultivation methods, plant health and production outcomes directly.
Farmers can compare the approach with their own experience and raise practical questions.
CONNECTION WITH THE AKSG FRAMEWORK
One Initiative Connecting Multiple Dimensions
Production & Work
The farm explores responsible, locally adapted and soil-supportive production.
Health & Self-Regulation
The initiative connects the quality of soil and food with the health of individuals and families.
Education & Sanskar
The demonstration creates an opportunity for farmers and young people to learn through direct observation.
Exchange & Prosperity
Locally available natural inputs may help reduce dependence on externally purchased chemical inputs.
Justice & Security
Open dialogue and shared learning strengthen trust and cooperation among farmers.
WHY AWARI MATTERS FOR AKSG & THE WAY FORWARD
Practical Action Emerging from Understanding
Awari demonstrates how study can lead to concrete action. A retired teacher, guided by an understanding of the relationship between land, food and human health, chose to create a working example rather than only speak about the need for change. The scale is modest, but the direction is significant.
The Way Forward: Key Focus Areas
Caring for the Earth as the Basis of Wellbeing
The Awari story reminds us that village prosperity cannot be separated from the health of the land. Through one farmer’s practical effort, Awari is showing how responsibility towards nature can become an everyday expression of Anandi Kutumb Samruddh Gram.