AuroOrchard

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AuroOrchard

AuroOrchard is Auroville’s oldest farm, founded in 1968 and spread over 25 acres of red earth on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, it has been a cornerstone of Auroville’s food system for more than five decades.

31/05/2026

Siruvelli Kizhangu (Dioscorea esculenta) is a traditional tuber native to South and Southeast Asia, cultivated for centuries in smallholder and forest-based farming systems. Today, it is slowly disappearing from local farms and kitchens, as potatoes replace a wide diversity of indigenous tubers. One of our team members sourced the seed in 2017 from a farmer selling it roadside on the way to Thiruvannamalai. While demand in Auroville remains limited, many in the community value its rich, distinct flavour and cultural significance.

27/05/2026

How to make nursery soil? The theoretical 1/3 garden soil, 1/3 sand. 1/3 compost is a good starting point, but the principle is that you need a light soil that can allow the seed and the young roots to breath, as well something rich enough to allow the young plant to develop a good system and body. We mix our filed soil with compost in a ratio of 1:2. The soil that we use is quite sandy and not very rich to start with. We also add a bit or cocopeat to lighten the soil even more, especially for small seeds like lettuce, arugula, brinjal etc. Every farmer will have their recipe for their nursery soil based on their soil
conditions, goals and what is available to them.

🌱

26/05/2026

Summer fruit harvest at the Orchard.

25/05/2026

What happens when we begin to experience animals as conscious beings with individuality, refined emotional lives, and deeply evolved social bonds?

This session explores how animals communicate with us, what they may be teaching us, and how our relationship with them changes when we no longer see them merely as resources or products. The conversation also opens questions around animal farming, ecology, and creating a more compassionate way of living together on Earth.

*_The session will include an opportunity to interact with the cows and birds at Auro Orchard._*

*30th May 2-4pm*
*Facilitated by Jasmin and Vivekan.*

*Jasmin* has a background in education, holistic health, arts, and music, and has spent many years living closely with animals and nature at Auro Orchard.
*Vivekan* inspired by a deep intergenerational connection with cows, has explored alternatives to exploitative dairy systems and will share insights from pioneering initiatives in India.

*Limited spots available.*

*Registration (Mandatory):* https://forms.gle/XtysP8Eef3hQk2n37

*Location*:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FpRuKH5bfBurmsQL7

*Contact* Charan: +91 8431764831

22/05/2026

We grow our vegetables both on no-till raised beds and in fields worked with a tractor. While beds retain fertility and soil life for longer, they are more labour-intensive. In the fields, we use the tractor in our own way, doing shallow ploughing rather than deep tillage, inspired by the work of Edward H. Faulkner. This approach helps reduce soil disturbance. A balance of both systems allows us to maintain scale, soil health, and the rhythms of the farm.

14/05/2026

Join us for an insightful session exploring how *plant-based living* can support personal wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and ethical living.

*15th May 3-5pm*

*What we’ll explore:*
- Food and its impact on health and disease
- The ecological cost of animal agriculture
- Plant-based nutrition for physical and emotional wellbeing
- Ethical and sustainable ways of living
- Reimagining food systems for a healthier future

*Facilitator*-
*Dr. Nandita Shah* is the founder of SHARAN, an organization promoting disease reversal and holistic health through nutrition and lifestyle. A medical doctor and author of the bestselling book Reversing Diabetes in 21 Days, she has helped thousands improve their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing through plant-based living. She received the Nari Shakti Puraskar 2016 from the President of India for her pioneering work in health and nutrition

*Limited spots available.*

*Registration (Mandatory, Link in Bio):* https://forms.gle/XtysP8Eef3hQk2n37

*Location*:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FpRuKH5bfBurmsQL7

*Contact* Charan: +91 8431764831

11/05/2026

🌿 Stories ~ April 2026 ~ #16 — Here’s a glimpse into what’s been happening at the farm. To sign up for our monthly newsletter, please check the link in the bio.

27/04/2026

Preparing for summer. W**d, mulch, irrigate, repeat.

**d

Address

Auroville

605101

Website

https://auroorchard.auroville.org/

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