Bhaskar Save, aka Save-guruji – the acclaimed ‘Gandhi of Natural Farming’ – has inspired and mentored 3 generations of organic farmers. Masanobu Fukuoka, the legendary Japanese natural farmer, visited his farm in 1997, and described it as “the best in the world, even better than my own farm!” It is a veritable food forest and a net supplier of water, energy and fertility to the local eco-system, rather than a net consumer.
Save’s way of farming and teachings are rooted in his deep understanding of the symbiotic relationships in nature, which he was ever happy to share freely with anyone interested. In 2010, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) – the world-wide umbrella body of organic farmers and movements – honoured Save with the ‘One World Award for Lifetime Achievement’. Its jury declared, “He is one of the most outstanding personalities in the organic world.”
Bhaskarbhai started his career as a primary teacher. But farming flowing in his veins couldn’t let him be departed for long. He left his well reputed government job in 1956, and farming became his life.
It is hard to believe that Save not only introduced chemical fertilizers in his area, but also became commission agent for the same. A few years’ experience of those fertilizers was enough for him to visualize its vicious effects on nature, health and economy. So, he turned to the Organic farming in late 60’s. People proclaimed him a fool who ruined his ‘ideal modern farm’ with Organic farming. Initial years after adapting Organic farming were tough. It wasn’t that easy to face decreased farm produce and criticizing people simultaneously; still he continued his path. He observed, experimented and learned. Now he has enough knowledge to enchant the world.
Bhaskar Save has seen many stages of farming. He started with chemical farming, then switched to organic one and finally developed the Natural Farming. Being his elder son, Nareshji, not only witnessed but also actively participated in all the experiments and learning processes of Bhaskarji.
Nareshji started working in the farm from his schooldays. Gradually farming became his life. He helped many people to develop their farms. In 1985 Nareshji purchased Sonali farm, a piece of 30 acres of barren land, and transformed it into a beautiful orchard of Mangoes, Chickoos and Coconuts. Besides that he took full responsibility to develop a few more farms;
1. Erani farm,
2. Aakash farm
3. K. T. farm, etc.
Various crops like Amla, Black pepper, cinnamon, areca nuts, Lichi, mango, black Jamun, Papaya, Custard apple etc. are yielding very well. The farm yield is superior to any farm using chemicals. This is true in all aspects of total quantity, nutritional quality, taste, biological diversity, ecological sustainability, water conservation, energy efficiency, and economic profitability. The costs (mainly labour for harvesting) are minimal and external inputs almost zero.
His simple yet very effective technique of farming has been able to impress Mr. Masanobu Fukuoka, the author of One Straw Revolution. After visiting the farm he modestly confessed that ‘Kalpavruksha farm is the best in the world; even better than his own.’
Bharat Mansata is a writer-editor and environmental activist, particularly involved in environmental regeneration and organic farming.
He has authored:
(1) The Great Agricultural Challenge,
(2) Organic Revolution, both published by Earthcare Books
(3) Pregnant with Poison
(4) The Vision of Natural Farming; and have also edited ‘Ecological Vision’, published by Development Research Communication and Services Centre (www.drcsc.com)
For the past 15 years, he has been closely associated with a collective ‘forest-farm’, Vision Acres (Van Vadi), which has grown into a rich forest – dense, tall and high in biodiversity. (It is now one of the best forest patches between Matheran and Bhimashankar in the foothills of the Sahyadris, and a source of joy and inspiration to visitors.) Rainwater harvesting and organic farming there too has been quite successful, as also initiatives in non-formal environmental/Nature learning.
1993: ‘Person of the year’ Award from Limca Book of Recorders – Mumbai. And also get the place in ‘Limca Book of World Records’ for highest yield.
1993: ‘Nisarg Bhushan Award’ given by Mr. Mohan Dhariya (M.P.) & President of ‘National Foundation of Organic Farming’ at Sangli – Maharashtra.
2000: ‘Jamnalal Bajaj Award’ for application of science and technology for rural development, from Jamnalal Bajaj foundation
2002: ‘Sardar Patel Award’ from Krushi & Sahakari Department of Gujarat Government.
2006: ‘National Award for the Best Coconut Farmer’ from Coconut Development Board, India
2010: ‘ONE WORLD LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD’ from ‘IFOAM –Germany’