The CLIMAFIX Summit is India’s largest climate startup summit, organized by EAI & Energy Consortium – IIT Madras. Vasudev Vangara of Viswambhara shares his thoughts on Low Carbon Agri & Food at CLIMAFIX Summit 2022, Nov 22, 2022, at the IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai.
The session was moderated by Anjani Bansal, Global Brain (Watch their presentation – here)
Other panel participants were:
Surraen Sundhar – Aana Crop Solutions Pvt Ltd (Watch their presentation – here)
Ramesh G – Way2Grow (Watch their presentation – here)
Hemali Gala – Nomou (Watch their presentation – here)
Nagarajan S – Made from Plants (Watch their presentation – here)
Ankush J – Oatey (Watch their presentation – here)
In a world facing environmental crises and agricultural challenges, innovative solutions are imperative. One such solution is permaculture, a method rooted in sustainable practices and regenerative principles. In this blog, we delve into the journey of Viswambhara, a venture dedicated to transforming agriculture through permaculture methods.
Viswambhara emerges as a source of hope amidst these challenges. The venture focuses on sustainable and region-native agricultural practices through permaculture. The author, representing Gitam University as a startup coach, underscores the urgency of addressing pressing issues such as soil degradation and water scarcity.
Understanding the Problem:
The blog outlines the gravity of the issues at hand, citing alarming statistics such as India’s substantial fertilizer consumption and the global impact of soil degradation. Vasudev underscores the urgent need for action to avert further environmental deterioration, including the decline in sperm count, which they interpret as nature’s response to human-induced damage.
The Permaculture Solution:
Permaculture emerges as a holistic approach to tackling these challenges. Coined by Australian scientist Bill Mollison, permaculture mimics natural ecosystems to create sustainable food forests without relying on external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. The blog emphasizes the importance of returning to traditional practices and integrating with nature to address modern agricultural woes.
Implementation and Impact:
Viswambhara’s approach involves onboarding individual and institutional landowners, conducting needs analyses, and designing customized solutions. The blog provides insights into their project milestones, including seed funding and collaborations with esteemed organizations like Northwestern University. Through real-life examples and project photographs, the post illustrates the significant impact of their initiatives in Hyderabad and Vizag.
Looking Ahead:
The blog concludes with a call to action, stressing the urgency of the situation and the need for substantial funding to scale their efforts. Viswambhara aims to impact thousands of acres within the next 12 to 18 months, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their work with various stakeholders, including seed-serving initiatives, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.
In a world threatened by climate change and food insecurity, Viswambhara stands as a testament to the power of permaculture in fostering sustainability and resilience. Through their tireless efforts and innovative approach, they offer a source of hope for a greener, more sustainable future in agriculture.
