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In the heart of India’s arid Deccan Plateau, Babulal Gandhi has cultivated a remarkable legacy. The 96-year-old farmer has spent more than 50 years to transform his ancestral land—a dry, rocky grassland spread over 48 hectares (ha)—into a thriving forest. The land in Vinchurni village in Maharashtra’s drought-prone Satara district is home to four lakes, orchards, grasslands, medicinal plants and rich wildlife.
Gandhi’s journey began in 1951 when he took part in Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan movement, which encouraged landowners to donate a portion of their land to the landless. Inspired by this, he travelled across India, studying agroforestry and sustainable farming practices.
His first major project on his land focussed on water conservation.
Collaborating with local engineers, Gandhi built lakes covering 9 ha to store water and recharge groundwater. He also created 5-km-long zero-contour water trenches to capture every drop of rain. These waterbodies now sustain not only his farm but also nearby villages. The water attracted birds and bees, which helped propagate plants across the farm. Over time, the community adopted kurad-bandi—a no-axe policy —to protect the ecosystem, recognising the importance of every plant and root in preventing soil erosion.
Fencing the land to prevent human and animal interference allowed native grasses to flourish, providing year-round fodder for cattle and attracting wildlife. Today, the farm is home to rabbits, wolves, hyenas, over 200 peacocks, and various migratory birds. Cattle contribute manure and biogas.
Sustainability is a core principle in Gandhi’s farming practices. Hunting is banned and mulching with leaves and cut weeds is regularly practiced to retain soil moisture during dry periods. Gandhi has planted numerous tree species to test their compatibility with the land’s rocky soil. Guggal (Commiphora wightii), a medicinal plant with deep roots, has been particularly effective in breaking rocks and improving soil quality. Fruit-bearing trees like chickoo, papaya, mango and guava, alongside bamboo and pumpkins, generate income for the farm. The farm’s sustainability is supported by value-added products like chickoo powder and a newly established jaggery-making unit.
One of Gandhi’s most cherished initiatives is his annual watermelon harvest. When his first crop produced a surplus, he invited schoolchildren to a feast. For over a decade, children enjoyed countless watermelons until peacocks caused its discontinuation. Leftover rinds feed cattle and seeds are replanted, continuing the cycle.
The farm is now managed by Gandhi’s niece, Madhavi. She and her siblings are skilled in farm management, animal care and food processing.
Education is central to Gandhi’s vision. His farm serves as a residential study camp for over 70 students, offering hands-on learning in environmental education, agroforestry and sustainable farming. Schools, colleges and nature enthusiasts regularly visit this unique classroom.
This article was originally published in the November 1-15, 2024 print edition of Down To Earth