Kalpataru Model: a Piece of Land as an ATM (Part-2)

Kalpataru: Understanding the Model

Let us first come to the technique of the Kalpataru model. This model is essentially a combination of multi-layer farming, companion farming, and natural farming. Along with this, an additional component is introduced-border plants.

What are these border plants?- Along the edges of the plot, saplings of tall, less bushy fruit or vegetable plants are planted. For example, curry leaf, drumstick, and lemon trees. These plants continue to provide a stable yield throughout the year, almost without any extra effort or concern-
which truly turns the land into a Kalpataru.

Now, let us try to understand the other farming methods.
Multi-layer farming means cultivating different types of crops with distinct characteristics on the same plot at the same time. Instead of planting crops of the same layer side by side, all layers are mixed together.

• One type of crop grows below the soil (root crops)
• The second layer remains close to the ground (leafy vegetables like peas, knol khol, cabbage, cauliflower)
• The third layer grows a little above the ground (brinjal, tomato, chilli)
• The fourth layer spreads on trellises above (bitter gourd, ridge gourd, etc.)

What are the benefits of multi-layer farming?
First, crops from different layers do not compete for the same nutrients.
Instead, they often contribute, even if slightly, to each other’s nourishment.
Second, not all crops mature at the same time. Some grow faster, some slower. As a result, harvesting of leafy vegetables begins within 25 days of sowing the seeds. And it is going on year-round(mains crops alnog with leafy vegetables)

Take an example- In the mont of October we sowed seeds in the field of Sonaram Kunjam. In a same time he sowed Radish(1st layer-root crops) Spinach(2nd layer-close to ground), Okra(little above the ground) together in a same bed. After 20 days all seeds grown to plants we sowed the seeds of peas on the same bed. Maintain the distance from okra plants. After 10 to 15 days the peas seed grown to a healthy plant and we harvested Spinach.

Companion Farming-ompanion farming- I introduced it to my farmers as “dosti kheti” (friendship farming). Involves growing two or more crops together that support each other’s growth and nutrition.
There exists a kind of relationship of friendship among these plants.
Let us take the example of radish, beans, and maize.

• Beans fix nitrogen in the soil
• Radish and maize use that nitrogen as food
• Radish absorbs other nutrients at a different time than the others
• Beans climb along the maize for support
So, there is no need for additional sticks or trellis support.
Just like in friendship, they help each other grow and move forward together.

Natural Farming- No matter whose name is on the land documents,
the true owner is nature itself. So, cultivating the land by following nature’s rules, without imposing our own, is natural farming.
To put it simply, it is farming done without heavy external inputs.
No need for ploughing, no expense on chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Just as in a forest, where crops grow and yield without any external inputs-
Natural farming works similarly.

However, in the case of vegetables, we have combined natural farming with organic practices. Organic farming is simmiler with natural farming. But here, inputs are used more to achieve slightly higher yields, better pest control, and improved market value. Organic farming also requires certification.

We are focusing on these areas-
• Not zero tillage, but minimum tillage
• Seeds are treated carefully before sowing
• Not just cow dung, jeevamrit, and compost are used to meet additional nutrient needs
• To protect from harmful pests, we use pheromone traps, light traps, neem-based solutions, handi daba, ash-water, 3G solution, and panchagavya.

All these elements together make the Kalpataru model not just a method of farming, but a complete living system. Where the land itself learns to take care of its own needs.

By now, you might be wondering- how much land is required to begin this model? How much would be enough to meet a family’s year-round vegetable needs? Is it really possible for you to create such a plot? And where do you even start? We’ll explore all these questions in the next part. So keep an eye out for it.