As part of the Bharat Nirman Yatra, a unique national learning expedition aimed at India’s sustainable transformation, 25 highly educated young professionals from 11 states undertook a special visit to Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farms and Research Center, located in Chikalputi, Kondagaon, at the heart of tribal Bastar.
The group comprised emerging changemakers, engineers, architects, journalists, filmmakers, development practitioners, and management professionals, united by a shared commitment to driving grassroots change. Among them were 12 current India Fellows associated with key social organizations, who arrived to witness firsthand the region’s community-led innovations and sustainable rural development models.
Natural Greenhouse: An Indigenous, Scalable Alternative
A major highlight of the visit was the Natural Greenhouse Model, a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional polyhouses, conceptualized and implemented indigenously at Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farms. While commercial polyhouses typically cost over Rs 40 lakh per acre and rely heavily on plastic, this eco-friendly innovation is built at just Rs 2 lakh per acre. It promotes ecological balance, minimal water usage, and long-term soil sustainability.
Anurag, who led the tour, introduced the group to the farm’s intercropping model of black pepper with Australian teak (MDAT-16), along with the cultivation of turmeric, insulin plants, and natural nitrogen fixation through agroforestry practices.
Ethno-Medico Forest: A Living Archive of Medicinal Wealth
Anurag Tripathi (Farm Director) and Apoorva Tripathi (Managing Director, MD Botanicals) guided the visitors through the farm’s flagship Ethno-Medico Forest, an in-situ conservation initiative preserving 22 rare and endangered medicinal plant species in their natural habitat.
The group also learned about the large-scale cultivation of over 340 varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants, which provide sustainable livelihoods to hundreds of tribal families across Bastar. Today, the farm stands as a unique convergence of traditional knowledge, organic farming, ecological innovation, and social responsibility.
Dr. Rajaram Tripathi, visionary founder of the herbal mission and a global advocate for organic and indigenous agriculture, joined the gathering virtually from Russia, where he is currently representing India at an international agricultural summit. He extended his blessings and shared inspiring insights with the young delegates.
Community Dialogue: Ground Realities and Local Wisdom
The delegation engaged in a dynamic Q&A session with Jasmati Netam, a tribal woman leader spearheading local Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). She offered valuable perspectives on the evolving role of tribal women in herbal-based rural economies and their leadership in eco-farming.
Further grassroots interactions with tribal farmer-representatives Krishna Netam, Shankar Nag, Samli Bai, and Bilchi Bai gave the delegates a rare window into traditional agricultural wisdom, decentralized leadership, and indigenous innovations flourishing beyond the mainstream narrative.
A Bastar Meal Amidst the Fields: Where Nature Meets Nurture
The immersive learning journey concluded with a heartfelt traditional Bastar lunch, served on leaf plates under the open sky, surrounded by the serene fields. This soulful experience not only nourished the body but also deepened the delegates’ emotional connection to the land and its people.
The visit was made seamless and impactful thanks to the tireless efforts of the organizing team: Mrs. Shipra Tripathi, Mr. Kevin, Rishiraj, Balai Chakrawarti, and Madhuri Devangan.
