Veena Lal runs a charitable society for destitute children by the name Karm Marg. The organization is located in sector 84, Faridabad in Delhi NCR region.
The 2-part series is about her organic farm and mud house located next to the organization and children's home. This video is about the organic farm and how it was developed over the years since it was bought by Veena Lal in 2003. According to Ms. Lal, the farm provides for her, her staff, and all the 50-60 children living in Karm Marg. She does not need to visit the market for food as the farm sustains them fully. The main produce is vegetables such as brinjal, potatoes, apple gourd, round gourd, bottle gourd, okra, cauliflower, brocolli, etc. Other than these, there are carrots, onions, garlic, and even turmeric. They also grow a wide variety of fruits, including citrus fruits which attract winged creatures such as bees, butterflies, and even some rare birds. Ms. Lal specifically focusses on plants and trees with medicinal properties (neem, aparajita, amla) that are essential for the mental and physical growth of the children coming to her campus.
There are a lot of animal and living creatures on the farm including chameleons, squirrels, and snakes. Veena Lal believes that this is basically their land. It belongs to these creatures. Humans have come later. So, it is their right first to live here. And then ours.
Veena Lal follows the principles of permaculture and is now growing so much produce that much of the produce is being sold as well. She also follows sustainable architecture and has built a home for herself on the farm itself. More of that will be discussed in the 2nd video.
Down to Earth is Science and Environment fortnightly published by the Society for Environmental Communication, New Delhi. We publish news and analysis on issues that deal with sustainable development, which we scan through the eyes of science and the environment.
0:00 - Intro
1:14 - Karm Marg home
2:20 - The Land and mulching
2:56 - Vegetables and fruits
4:56 - Ann Daata
6:02 - Cooling areas
6:51 - Plants, veggies and fruits
7:45 - Flora and fauna
9:02 - Medicinal plants and trees
10:20 - Advantages of the farm
11:18 - House intro