Tumkur, Karnataka Farmers Embrace Tree-Based Farming at Cauvery Calling Workshop
Over 300 farmers gathered in Tiptur for a full-day Cauvery Calling workshop focused on integrating coconut cultivation with tree-based farming. Led by experts and successful model farmers, the event showcased sustainable practices that boost income, recharge groundwater, and promote ecological balance. Farmers learned about intercropping, value addition, natural pest control, and more. Stories from farmers like Shri Shivananjaiah Balekayi and Shri Dayanand highlighted the long-term benefits of combining commercial farming with ecological forestry. Supported by Sadhguru’s Cauvery Calling initiative, the movement is already transforming Karnataka’s farmlands—with nearly 20 lakh saplings distributed by local farmer-run nurseries at just ₹3 each. The message was clear: the future of farming is green, profitable, and right at our doorstep.
“Why go to the Western Ghats when you can grow your own right here?” That was the powerful message from Shri Shivananjaiah Balekayi at a full-day training workshop in Tiptur, where over 300 farmers gathered to explore the future of farming—tree-based agriculture integrated with coconut cultivation. Held on May 25, 2025, at Kalpataru Institute of Technology, the workshop was titled “Integrating Coconut Cultivation with Tree-Based Farming – Your Investment for the Future.”
The event brought together expert voices including Dr. Keerthi, a horticulture scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, who shared effective methods of managing pests and diseases in coconut farming using non-chemical alternatives. Adding practical insights were model farmers like Shri Arun Kumar, who explained the benefits of dividing farmland into commercial, food, and ecological zones. This approach, he emphasized, not only ensures a steady income—weekly, monthly, and annually—but also helps recharge groundwater. His farm has even become a hub for agro-tourism, inspiring others to step into farming with purpose.
One of the most inspiring stories came from Shri Shivananjaiah Balekayi himself. From transforming a 2.5-acre natural farm into a flourishing ecosystem that now generates ₹15–16 lakhs annually, his journey stood as proof of what’s possible with commitment and smart strategy. Through multi-layer intercropping and minimal input costs, he's created a thriving model of self-sustainability.
“If farmers adopt this model of converting one-third of their land into forest, the people of Tiptur need not go to the Western Ghats — they can create their own Western Ghats right here,” he said, underscoring the immense ecological potential of tree-based agriculture.
He also reminded attendees that natural farming doesn't take decades to bear fruit. “Without guidance, it took me a long time as I did it by trial and error. But now you have so many resources which people can make use of to show results,” he told the crowd.
The event featured more farmer voices, including Shri Dayanand, who reflected on his 40-year journey of cultivating teak alongside coconut and areca nut. The teak trees on his land are now valued at over ₹1 crore, and he even used some of the wood to craft furniture for his daughter’s home.
Shri Yogananda spoke on the minimal labor required in natural farming and highlighted additional income opportunities through beekeeping and value addition. Meanwhile, Shri Nagesh introduced his innovative coconut product manufacturing unit, where he processes coconuts into oil, cookies, chips, and more—all using machines he designed himself.
The workshop covered crucial topics such as natural farm management, intercropping strategies, value addition, and the economic and ecological benefits of integrating timber trees with coconut farming. Farmers also engaged in lively Q&A sessions, raising important questions about no-till farming, water conservation through tree cover, and integrated pest management.
At its heart, Cauvery Calling is about more than farming—it's about rejuvenation. The initiative aims to revitalise the Cauvery River by empowering farmers with sustainable, tree-based practices. In Karnataka, the impact is already visible. Since a pilot launched in 2022, farmers have been trained to produce and distribute high-quality organic timber saplings right from their own farms.
In just two years, 25 farmers across Hassan and Tumkur have produced and distributed nearly 20 lakh saplings through farmer-run nurseries. These saplings are made accessible at a highly subsidized cost of just ₹3 each—making the shift to sustainable farming not just viable, but inviting.
With such strong momentum, it's clear that Tumkur’s farmers aren’t just learning—they’re leading a green revolution, one tree at a time.
