Solitude Farm

2011-11-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Solitude Friends,

Two months ago, I came to Solitude, and everyday is like an adventure and a learning process for me. Two weeks ago, I started to set up a nursery, and have been working on it ever since. Everyday the place becomes more and more like a workshop with an amazing energy, that comes with its own difficulties and delightful moments.

You are waiting, you are excited, and then one morning you see the plants growing! After that, you take care and water them and they will grow.

I am having some problems with growing Salad. The ants are transporting the seeds away to eat them. But I look forward to finding a solution.

However, the Capsicum, Parsley, and Tomatoes are growing so well and they are changing everyday.

Today, we planted Radish, Rucola and Spring Onions directly in the fields, after fixing the broken pipes of the sprinkler system. Because of the monsoon break, it is still very important to water all the little plants.

The community members are helping each other to be healthy and ready for the next part of the monsoon.

Take care! Be organic!

Your Milly :)

The CSA

2011-07-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Mulching recipe

2011-07-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

- First, the hand weeding

- Then, dig the trenches (with the mamatis, a specific tool). If it is necessary you can put some compost.

- For a great mulching, fill the trenches with organic matters (branches, leaves, ...)

- After you can plant the seeds directly on this soil.

- Wait, it's growing...

The millet plantation in Solitude Farm.

2011-07-01T05:27:00.000-07:00

Millet is a cereal very popular in Tamil Nadu and especially in Solitude.Here, it is cooked as flour in porridge or dosai or by accompaniment with rice. This week we have prepared several fields before planting a variety of millet called "Ragi".
First, we have cleaned these fields by removing weeds by hand. Of course we had the right to use some tools to help us.

Then we sow directly Ragi across the field. To better promote germination and reduce the work later, we made tranches and strips of land called "beds".

Then, we covered the "beds" of organic matter to avoid the weeds come back and to improve the quality of the soil. This technique is called "mulching" and it is very important in practice "natural farming".

Once the small plants of Ragi came out, they must be replanted elsewhere if they are too tight. They will grow better and give more grain. This step is called transplanting.

Now there's nothing left to do before the harvest will be in three months!
Then we will write a new post to explain how to cook this delicious millet.
See you next week!
The Volunteers.

Permaculture Workshops 2011-2012

2011-05-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

SOLITUDE FARM, AUROVILLE

Experiential Permaculture workshops 2011-2012

( 9 day intensive starting 29th July 2011 )

“…a dream of returning to nature , here there is nothing much be done, no effort is required, not even courage.” Masanobu Fukuoka.

Solitude is a 6-acre sustainable farming community specializing in natural farming and permaculture methods. We grow a variety of indigenous millets, rice, pulses oil seeds as well as a wide diversity of fruits and vegetables. We build most of our own buildings using natural materials and use solar energy, compost toilets and wind power. We host volunteers from around the world and there is also an organic restaurant

We have been deeply inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka and his vision of a true road back to nature, growing the food we need in a simple and harmonious way. This lifestyle demands energy and enthusiasm but we also aim at an integrated lifestyle, finding space, equally for arts, music and inner exploration.

Permaculture is about understanding relationships: These workshops aim at a dynamic, integrated hands- on experience, covering diverse activities that are part of our daily life here at Solitude farm

• The core of the workshop will be the application of Permaculture and Natural farming techniques (hands-on in the fields!)

• Traditional preparation of indigenous grains and food stuffs.
• Daily reading of the “ One Straw Revolution” by Masanobu Fukuoka.
• Field trips to related projects
• Lectures and discussions
• Morning meditation
• Emersion in local Tamil culture
• Project based learning

There is a community kitchen where we also run an organic restaurant, participants are asked to take turns cooking the evening meals.

Costs: 8,000 rps including all meals, accommodation, fieldtrips and teaching materials.

If you want more information please contact: krishnamckenzie@auroville.org.in

fundrasing

2011-01-07T20:55:00.001-08:00

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/10667834/lively-up-your-earth-eco-music-festival-we-create?ref=email

fundrasing

2011-01-07T20:49:00.001-08:00

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/10667834/lively-up-your-earth-eco-music-festival-we-create?ref=email

Lively Up Your Earth eco-music Festival

2010-12-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tc00c9k8PY

radio interview about the festival

2010-12-23T23:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.aurovilleradio.org/arts-a-culture/music/1977-lively-up-your-earth

music and background about lively up your earth eco-music festival and solitude farm.

Interview: Solitude and The Upcoming Eco-Music Festival

2010-12-21T05:59:00.000-08:00

Krishna Lively-Ups Himself

The birds of Solitude chirp in the distance as AurovilleRadio's recorder picks up the vibrations of Krishna McKenzie jamming and chin-wagging on the Lively Up Your Earth Festival, the vision behind Solitude Farm, opportunities in Auroville, Emergence, and living a life closer to nature.

Click HERE if you missed that last link.

Update on the Festival

2010-12-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

Our last meeting sitting in the porch with the gentle winter sun going down over the horizon, we spent the hours planning and brainstorming the site layout, constructions, things to be done, how to be done and narrating visions and making dreams coming alive. There is nothing that cannot be done. There are methods and the most wonderful ones are to be played with.

This is going to be one of the many platforms that are exisiting around the world conveying the richness of practicing a sustainable and organic living. A showcase with fun and creativity.

As an example:
Toilets: There will be many people visiting us who would have never seen/used a compost/eco toilet. Its the norm of the day for many here and elsewhere. How many should we have? How large should we have? How high should it be? Pedestal or a comfortable sitting one!!! Should we have it colored or have flowers around for the essence of it!!

The discussions were not endless. Between coffees and chais and many more, we have now the timelines set.
The camping area below the whispering trees under the windmill.
There will be signs leading you to the Solitude Farm, for those who have never been here.The map will be provided online at a later date.
There is going to be enough parking space for vehicles.
Musicians who will be attending and performing have been confirmed. The design of the stage is yet to be formalised. We are still thinking on the type of material to be used for it.
There will be various stalls from various products that are created and used in everyday life. We have confirmations from them.
For first timers, it is a place of unending education. For those who have already seen it, there is always something new.
As mentioned in earlier post, organic food market from the farms and farmers themselves will also be available. High quality seeds will also be available from food grown here.
We have lights for not accidently walking over a sleeping bringal.
There is going to be enough wood for the bonfire! and enough things to keep you busy and interested.
There will be a one day workshop on Permaculture by Krishna. Let not his charishma overwhelm you, but keep your eyes on the vision and the reality that is living here!
....keep connected for the next post.

LIVELY UP YOUR EARTH !! Eco-Music FESTIVAL

2010-12-15T22:24:00.000-08:00

LIVELY UP YOUR EARTH !! Eco-Music FESTIVAL

This festival is an exploration of community, permaculture, ecology, food, artistic expression, a Reconnection/ connection with nature , a celebration of music ; it’s a movement..our movement...our music...we are free to create our world.. So come and join us and LIVELY UP YOUR EARTH !!

WHAT IS IT?

This is a one day festival with workshops in permaculture, fusion cooking, eco-building,handicrafts, a diverse gathering of ecological/ alternative lifestyle presentations and stalls ranging from electrici bicycles, spirulina and the bamboo research centre to pottery, indigo dyed jeans and the auroville farmers market. There are also some great bands playing including Zamasanga reggae, Fertile Johnny´s Rock n´ Roll Hero´s, Emergence, Matt Littlewoods new jazz quartet and The Bamboo Band.
With swimming in the well, bonfire and the party going late into the night, we are welcoming people to stay for the weekend.

WHERE AND WHEN?

date: 29th January

Location: Solitude Farm, Auroville, Tamil Nadu

WHAT IS OFFERED?

Either you can show up for the day or stay for the weekend.

WEEKEND STAY:
Come and camp, bring your tent or crash on the floor in the pavilion. Alternativley there will be room for about 30 people in our huts.

The fee for staying the weekend is 2500 rps which will get you:

Bonfire dinner on Friday night

Breakfast/lunch and dinner on Saturday the day of the festival

Breakfast on Sunday morning before departure

Access and free participation in all workshops

Swimming in the well and great music!!

HOW DO I BOOK?

If you want to come please send a confirmation e mail to emergencemusic@gmail.com

WHAT DO I HAVE TO PAY?

Apart from the weekend stay, entry to the festival is voluntary donation

ABOUT SOLITUDE:

Solitude a unique sustainable farming community within the international township of Auroville, South India. It is alsothe home of emergence one of India's leading bands who's musicians have worked with the likes of Ray Charles and A.R. Rahman. Fusing permaculture, music,arts, community, food, education and hosting volunteers from all over the world while performing in venues such as the Kenedy Centre and the Glastonbury Festival this is something very different. We create our world!!

FOLLOW UPDATED POSTINGS ON THE BLOG ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Stalls in the Lively Up Your Earth

2010-12-06T23:46:00.000-08:00

One more day closer to the festival and crazy excitement in the farm. Amongst other things, these are the stalls and presentations that are going to be at Lively Up Your Earth eco-music festival @Solitude farm-

EV future. They are awesome indigenous designed electrical bikes and cycles. www.evfuture.com

Colors of nature. really special indigo jeans collection. thecolorsofnature.com

Eco pro. Compost toilets, EM and the works. www.ecopro.in

Bamboo research centre .

Pebble garden. natural farming/ seed savers.

Auroville Botanical gardens. All their work is in education/reforestation.

Freeland bookshop. An awesome small local alternative book shop.

Swaram has handmade musical instruments.

Anadana seedbank. The Auroville seed bank

Aurospirul. The food of the future a demonstration on how to make Spirulina.

Kopfu has super organic health snacks

Sunny’s pizza

Kalu’s Crepes. Original, delicious French crepes

Himal and the gyroscopes has funky fairground rides

Deepa’s blankets .Local handicrafts high quality handmade silk bedcovers.

Earth institute. The award winning Auroville earth institute with pressed mud bricks and all!

Auroville Farmers market .The Auroville farmers collective.

Dr nandita’s introduction to veganism .

Marc’ coffee has super deluxe organic coffee and coffee paintings.

And that, people is just the beginning. There is more like the workshops and the bands that will be playing in the festival…

So, Watch this space for the daily happenings and countdown to the Lively Up Your Earth festival.

our newsletter#5

2010-12-06T00:21:00.001-08:00

http://www.emergence.in/december/

here is a blog about the permaculture workshop i will be teaching for the LIVELY UP YOUR EARTH ECO-MUSIC FESTIVAL

2010-12-05T23:54:00.000-08:00

On Mon, Dec 6, 2010 at 12:48 PM, Leonhard Schaub wrote:

It's now about 8 weeks that I came to Solitude Farm, my new home for the next few month. After nearly seven years of lazy student lifestyle in the city of Vienna/Austria I finally had to follow this urge. I really feel that it is time for me to go back to my natural habitat, all our natural habitat / mother nature. After a warm welcome at Solitude I knew I had chosen the right place for me here in Auroville to be and learn and Krishnas integral vision where farming is one main aspect amongst others (social, environment, spirituality, creativity, ...) spoke from my heart.

As first participant of Solitudes internship program I inherited the Rock'n Roll CircleGarden project which Krishna and Ananda – a german volunteer – started a few weeks before my arrival. ...well and now it's my turn to continue.

For those who don't now what the Rock'n Roll CircleGarden is, here a short introduction:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzJnYt81Z-8

I was really surprised after my arrival here, when I realized that Auroville still depends in such a high percentage on foodsources from outside and that growing healthy and naturally food is not amongst it's main concerns. I know, Auroville is still a town in it's development, it's transforming day by day and as I see it, it's everybodies responsibility (even of those who just stay for short term, like me) what it becomes. ....
So the idea behind the CircleGarden is to spread them all across Auroville to provide at least a part of peoples food. Not only with the aim of selfsufficiency in terms of food, but also to raise awarness about the importance of naturally grown food for peoples, societies and the planets health.

I see a very clear connection between culture and the way of producing and valuing food. That means, that farming is in fact a cultural act.
I personally would like to see a shift from the culture of mere consumption to a much wholesome way of common living, where a natural way of growing food should be a main goal.

"The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings."

Masanobu Fukuoka (One-Strawrevolution)

ATTENTION, ATTENTION!

If you guys became interested in the activities at Solitude Farm or the CircleGardens in particular; (there will be a CircleGarden-Workshop) you should come to the LIVLY UP YOUR EARTH! ECO-MUSIC FESTIVAL! At Solitude Farm/Auroville the 29th of January.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=170395656325646&ref=mf

harder the heart new track by emergence free download

2010-12-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

here is a new track by Emergence we hope u love it!!

wisdoms words fall on deaf ears when a heart is gripped by fear
and the silent moods that move my soul no longer feel so near
and i do recall with intimacy when i knew i was the one
but the harder the heart, the harder the heart becomes.

click here to get the free download

http://www.emergence.in/december_download/

Lively Up Your Earth eco-music Festival

2010-12-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

LIVELY UP YOUR EARTH !! Eco-Music FESTIVAL Solitude Farm Aurovile

This festival is an exploration of community, permaculture, ecology, food, artistic expression, a Reconnection/ connection with nature , a celebration of music ; it’s a movement..our movement...our music...we are free to create our world.. So come and join us and LIVELY UP YOUR EARTH !!

29th January at Solitude Farm, Auroville. Accomodation and camping is available.

This is a one day festival with workshops in permaculture, fusion cooking, eco-building,handicrafts, a diverse gathering of ecological/ alternative lifestyle presentations and stalls ranging from electrici bicycles, spirulina and the bamboo research centre to pottery, indigo dyed jeans and the auroville farmers market. There are also some great bands playing including Zamasanga reggae, Fertile Johnny´s Rock n´ Roll Hero´s, Emergence, Matt Littlewoods new jazz quartet and The Bamboo Band.
With swimming in the well, bonfire and the party going late into the night, we are welcoming people to stay for the weekend - camping style / sleep where you can, acomodation is limited)

For more info stay tuned!

We just completed two natural farming and permaculture workshops at Solitude in the last month, where we received amazing, engaging, and inspiring....

2010-03-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

We just completed two natural farming and permaculture workshops at Solitude in the last month, where we received amazing, engaging, and inspiring participants from around the world---India, Japan, Italy, Canada, Spain, Denmark, America, Germany, Colombia, Sweden, and Australia.

The foundation of the intensive nine-day workshops is in practical field experience coupled with readings from the One Straw Revolution, by Masanobu Fukuoka, followed by group discussion. During the course we covered many aspects of farm life including seeding and transplanting in the nursery, planting green manure, clearing fields and making beds, harvesting rice, tomatoes, beans, pumpkins, papayas, cucumbers, okra, tapioca, Tabasco chillies, capsicums, and much more, cooking and canning sweet lime marmalade, digging a rain water catchment pond, cooking traditional Indian meals together, and of course lots of jumping into the well to cool off! In the evenings we sat down to read from OSR and discuss as a group the philosophical and practical applications of natural farming.

We also took a few field trips in Auroville to Pebble Garden, an incredibly biodiverse small farm that focuses on seed saving, and the Botanical Garden, another excellent seed saving operation specializing in open pollinated indigenous and well adapted varieties.

At the end of each course participants did presentations of their learning in a wonderful variety of ways. Some folks outlined their plans to start garden/farm projects at home, one person painted a beautiful mural in the community kitchen that proclaims, “Nature is a Teacher, when we take the time to observe. Life is a Treasure.” Another person wrote a letter to her local newspaper discussing the potential impacts of natural farming in local agriculture. Others sang songs about living the simple life, read poems, and simply expressed what was meaningful to them during their time in the workshop.

The last few weeks have been a truly inspiring time at Solitude---so many hands have come together to care for this beautiful Earth and the people here. We were able to share with so many a way of life that is close to nature. I hope everyone has gone away with a stronger sense of connection to the land, the process of growing food, and what it means to live in community. I hope everyone has gone away knowing that a holistic healthy life close to nature is possible.

Solitude Farm Projects

2010-02-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

Soltitude is very much an educational project and although financially self sufficient for it's running costs, We are in need of donnations for various projects that will expand the infrastructure of the farm

Firstly we are trying to install a sprinkler irrigation system in the whole farm that will reduce water use and save alot of time ( dragging pipes all over the farm for flooding)The cost of this project is 100,000 rps. If you'd like to help please do the neccessary!!!

Secondly we are in the process of building a library/seed room. The old cowshed that is no longer used by the cow is ideal to build muds walls, put on a new roof, doors, windows a fridge, book shelves some tables and chairs etc. We will need 200,000 rps to complete this project.

Thirdly we are intending to build a new dormitory with more space for volunteers, we want to put this dormitory by the coconut trees for those who know the farm!

If you can help with any of these projects we would be so grateful. Priya who is starting the seed bank and is managing the whole education side of the farm, will get back to you to acknowledge your contribution and keep you updated n a google group with photos etc of how the projects are progressing.

We are currently using western union for online donations towards solitude farm projects http://www.westernunion.com/

Love Krishna for Solitude Farm

Experiential Sustainability Workshop

2010-02-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Please join us for a Experiential Sustainability Workshop from Feb 19- Feb 27, 2010 and the 5th March to the 14th March.Solitude Farm is a sustainable farming community located in Auroville ecovillage in South India. At Solitude we grow a wide diversity of indigenous millets, rices, lentils, oilseeds, and fruits and vegetables.

Through our workshops we hope to provide participants with holistic experiential training in farming, specifically in permaculture and natural farming, as we have tailored to our particular farm and bioregion. We also want to share more than techniques, but rather an approach to life that seeks to exist in harmony with nature.

Natural Farming and Permaculture Workshop includes:
• Hands-on farming experience
• Project centered learning
• Traditional preparation of indigenous grains
• Reading and discussion of natural farming text-One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka
• Meditation (optional but recommended)
• Immersion in local Tamil culture
• Field trip to local farm communities
• Small groups – we can accept between 8-12 participants per workshop

Program Fee: $220-250 on a sliding scale. This includes your room, board, and tuition. However, we don't want the cost to be prohibitive, so please let us know if you are really interested and there is a possibility of working out an alternate arrangement.

If you are interesting in learning more about the workshops or signing up please contact me at latiruese@yahoo.com or you call call at 214-701-2598 (in the US) or 0413-2622068 (in India.)

Music Workshop With Emergence

2010-02-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

A 3 Day music workshop with Emergence full board provided in the beautiful setting of Solitude Farm Auroville.Working with Emergence you will learn composition, improvisation and improve your musical skills/technique.This course is open to Bassists, drummers, guitarists, singers, violinists and probably we can help develop musicians playing other instruments!Organic food, accommodation, beautiful setting at Solitude farm and possibility to integrate the workshop with a permaculture workshop. There will be a morning session and an afternoon session.

Cost:10,000 rps course capacity: 8 people
Course dates: Every month ( dates not fixed )

The Return...

2009-02-17T23:01:00.000-08:00

Eventhough it's great way for all the beatiful people that pass by to find out what's happening in Solitude,it has been a long time since this blog has been updated. The farm now is flourishing with lots and lots of lettuce, tomatoes, various kinds of gaurds, cucumber, okra, egg plants.... in turn the Soliude Kitchen is enjoying yummy organic lunches!
More updates will be on their way... Here's a start with some pictures of Mattu Pongal that was celebrated in January....

Devaraj

2007-08-27T15:01:00.001-07:00

Click To Play

Devaraj came to plough the fields at Solitude, and shared something extra with us.

Veragu

2007-08-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Click To Play

Krishna talks about preparing one of the more dry fields for planting veragu - a millet that used to be common in south India but has been displaced by white rice.

season has started...and it will go on!

2007-08-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

the season is well underway. Even with a super windmill and solar pump we still need our diesel engine as an emergency backup for the rice because some days there is just no wind and a cloudy sky. So today we fixed the pump. Tomorrow we should get the first of the rice seedlings in and more fields puddled...there is so much to do...mulching, weeding, transplanting, sowing, building...and of course music!
i am going to bed..
om
k

Electricity on the Farm ?

2007-08-26T01:02:00.000-07:00

Click To Play

Discussion of whether to bring electricity into Solitude.

Biodegradable Living Structures on Solitude Farm

2007-08-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Click To Play

These structures are built almost entirely from local materials and can last 10 -15 years. living in them feels like living in a tree house.

Natural Farming in Auroville

2007-08-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

Click To Play

Krishna talks about the principles of natural farming and how they are using them at Solitude to improve the soil and grow their food.

Preparation

2007-08-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Click To Play

This is a quick conversation with krishna about getting fields
ready to farm. At the end I added some footage I took from the
windmill to accompany the music.