Cauvery Calling Newsletter Jan-Mar 23
Since 1998, Isha volunteers have enabled the plantation of 88.5 million trees and assisted 172,600 farmers in transitioning to tree-based farming, a model that keeps soil organically rich and healthy.
March 2023 marks the first anniversary of the global #SaveSoil Movement, which Sadhguru launched last year. But did you know that Isha’s efforts to save soil began 25 years ago? Since 1998, Isha volunteers have enabled the plantation of 88.5 million trees and assisted 172,600 farmers in transitioning to tree-based farming, a model that keeps soil organically rich and healthy.
This quarter, the Cauvery Calling team in Tamil Nadu achieved a significant milestone - it enabled the planting of one crore saplings in one year all over Tamil Nadu. It’s no surprise, given that the Cauvery Calling Movement has become an enduring symbol of community inspiration for everyone from celebrities to ordinary citizens, and businessmen to policemen. Read on to learn what has kept Cauvery Calling buzzing in the first quarter of 2023.
Cauvery Calling Hosts Seminar on Tree-Based Agriculture in Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Over 100 enthusiastic farmers in Karnataka attended a seminar on incorporating #treebasedagriculture and regenerative farming in coffee estates. Three progressive farmers and a renowned scientist shared valuable insights as resource leaders for the program.
The event was organized by #cauverycalling in Chikmagalur - known as The Land of Coffee. The city is known for its beautiful climate and of course, there is so much more scope to integrate shade-giving and high-value timber trees in its coffee plantations.
Cauvery Calling Successfully Achieves Target of Planting 1 Crore Saplings in Tamil Nadu
Cauvery Calling has successfully achieved its yearly target of enabling plantation of 1 crore saplings in Tamil Nadu. This feat was accomplished through activities like establishment of Isha Nurseries and the Mega Nursery at Cuddalore, which is one of the biggest mass-production nurseries in the world. Additionally, state-wide plantation drives were carried out, along with farmer-led nursery pilots and mega farmer events in the form of seminars and workshops. The Cauvery Calling team has been actively guiding farmers by assessing soil type, depth, and salinity in their farms and providing them with necessary support through a dedicated helpline.
Want to See Joyful Plants? Come to the Cauvery Calling Nursery in Cuddalore
Ever seen plants that seem to be bursting with joy? If you haven’t, you must visit the Cauvery Calling Nursery in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the world’s largest single-site nurseries in terms of annual production capacity, capable of producing a mindblowing 8.5 million saplings comprising 54 species of trees. The plants receive exceptional care, and it shows.
“I don't know about how the work atmosphere is elsewhere, but here, we all work together very joyfully. We laugh, we say ‘namaskaram’ to each other and work together happily,” Saranya says with a smile. She has been working at the Nursery ever since it was set up 3 years ago. She is from Subramaniapuram, a nearby village.
Spread over 29 acres, the Nursery hums with an inexplicable vibe and exudes a surreal ambience - saplings seem to be dancing with joy, rows and rows of happy plants stretching into the horizon as far as the eye can see. “I feel that at last I am doing a job which gives a sense of purpose to my life,” says Sangeetha from Vanniyarpalathan village. Like Saranya, she has worked at the Cuddalore Nursery since its establishment and she says that it has not only popularized tree-based farming in a big way in the region but also transformed her life. “We were in a very poor condition financially. After coming to the Nursery, I have regular work throughout the month. I earn enough money from this job,” she states.
What the Cauvery Calling Movement is doing for farmers in the Cauvery River basin spanning Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the Cuddalore Nursery is echoing locally in this small region: crafting a quiet revolution on multiple levels. Over 170 people work here; 160 of them are local rural women.17 of these women have blossomed into community leaders, supervising smaller groups. It has not only unlocked their innate potential, it has also transformed the lives of their families.
Actor Rajesh Kumar is Now a Farmer!
In this interview, actor Rajesh Kumar (widely popular for playing the television character Rosesh) talks about his efforts for the Save Soil movement and shares his experience of practicing regenerative farming incorporating tree-based agriculture. Rajeshji has been deeply involved with the Save Soil movement since the Rally for Rivers, and considers it an inspiration and guiding force on his journey from a successful actor to a passionate farmer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLvDEhEijgg
A 10-Year-Old Boy's Gift to Cauvery
KB Parashar celebrated his tenth birthday in a unique way by contributing 1000 trees to farmers in the Cauvery basin. This is part of his effort to fulfil Sadhguru's vision of revitalizing Cauvery River.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zlm1w-6yk6E
Over 1,000 Farmers in Pollachi Trained on Generating Multiple Incomes from Coconut Cultivation through Inter-Cropping
On 8 January 2023, we conducted a mega program in Pollachi to train 1,050 farmers on how to generate 15 sources of income from coconut cultivation. Experts discussed techniques to inter-crop coconut with high-value crops such as pepper and timber trees to increase farmer income, improve coconut yield by raising soil fertility and methods to add value to coconut-related products. The participants were greatly inspired and were eager to try several of the ideas presented. The program concluded on a high note, with full involvement from the participants, and good coverage in news media.
Eastman Exports' Commitment to Cauvery Calling for 8 More Years
Eastman Exports, a leading textile manufacturer and exporter, has been a staunch supporter of the Cauvery Calling project. Their yearly contributions have helped the project take tree-based agriculture to thousands of farmers in the Cauvery basin. We express our wholehearted thanks to Eastman Exports for their continued support and commitment to the project for 8 more years.
https://twitter.com/rallyforrivers/status/1640012943222886402?s=20
Ghanaian Musician and Influencer Supports Cauvery Calling Initiative
In this powerful and inspiring video, Ghanaian musician and philanthropist Okyeame Kwame lends his voice to support the Cauvery Calling initiative.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnzYMY-A7h2/
Mysore Police Retrieve Lost Phone and Express Support for Cauvery Calling Project
Kudos to #MysorePolice for tracking and retrieving a phone that a Nadi Veera lost in a rickshaw. With just the driver's name, they located the rickshaw in a matter of few hours and promptly called us to collect it. Their dedication to serving citizens is exemplary!
When they found that we were #CauveryCalling volunteers, they were delighted and said that this project was very close to their hearts since it brings wellbeing to farmers and all life forms on the planet. They wished this project all the success.
Joyous Thaipusam Celebration at Cuddalore Nursery
A joyous Thaipusam celebration marked the third anniversary of Cuddalore Nursery, with 130 sevadhars participating in the festivities. The main event was a procession within the nursery area, with sevadhars who had helped to plant and sprout seedlings (mulaipaari) carrying them on their heads and offering the mulaipaari to Devi, the main deity of Cuddalore Nursery. In addition to the procession, there were games with prizes organized by the local volunteers, and food was prepared and served by the sevadhars who funded the entire event themselves. Overall, the celebration was a demonstration of the sevadhars' devotion and heartfelt offerings to Devi.
An Appeal
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