Phase I Progress

On the three acres of land already acquired, we are creating a small learning center and mini-farm run according to the latest environmentally friendly technology and practices. Expected to be operational by summer 2010, the first phase of Amrit Sagar will include:

• An organic dairy with 10 cows
• A bio-gas system
  
• Solar technology
  
• Sustainable farming: organic vegetables, herbs and Ayurvedic medicinal plants
  
• Bee farming
  
• Chicken coop
  
• A visitor’s center and small residential area
  
• Tours for the general public
  
• Educational programs for school children and youth from the city to learn about planting, composting, recycling, conservation and sanitation
  
• Educational programs for regional farmers to learn about sustainable practices they can implement on their farms, and gain access to government funding schemes.

The initial phase of Amrit Sagar will also bring sister project Bal Ashram towards self-sufficiency. Our goal is to produce not only enough milk, vegetables, eggs, oils and honey for Bal Ashram, but also to avail good quality food to the community. We intend to generate a revenue stream from a micro-business that covers Bal Ashram’s operational needs, and that the older children at Bal Ashram can run.

Experts from various departments at Banaras Hindu University are already lending their time and expertise to guide the project. Our primary advisor, Dr. Saket Kushwaha, Head of Agricultural Economics, is intimately involved with Phase I and is helping to create a master plan for future phases of the project.