Kalpavriksha Farms

  • Home
  • Kalpavriksha Farms

Kalpavriksha Farms As an organic farmer, I am trying to change the perspective about urban farming & self-sustainability
(3)

The last of the previous season's remnants, and some which self seeded in-between seasons...the bitter gourd, clove bean...
26/08/2024

The last of the previous season's remnants, and some which self seeded in-between seasons...the bitter gourd, clove beans (rare heirloom variety), Lady's finger (heirloom variety), long beans, sword beans and a few others...
We are enjoying these with greens, banana stem, flower and raw plantains while this season's crops are getting ready slowly.

With the inimitable, eminent writer and columnist Shobhaa De  herself!It was such a pleasure meeting and chatting with h...
23/08/2024

With the inimitable, eminent writer and columnist Shobhaa De herself!
It was such a pleasure meeting and chatting with her.

Do pick up a copy of my book Farmer Sutra, represented by and published by

The last two days have been all about celebrating this wonderful guy I get to call my partner in everything ❤️ Sun, Sand...
22/08/2024

The last two days have been all about celebrating this wonderful guy I get to call my partner in everything ❤️
Sun, Sand & the Ocean. Just perfect!✨️
Thank you for a memorable staycation!

The school garden and kids...My weekly dose of bliss 💫Sometimes we underestimate what a little dose of sunshine can do t...
21/08/2024

The school garden and kids...
My weekly dose of bliss 💫
Sometimes we underestimate what a little dose of sunshine can do to our bodies, mind and spirit.

I am confident that these little ones who are exposed to nature on a regular basis will grow up to be well-grounded, nature-loving, nourished and wholesome humans!

In Times of India  A spectacular star-studded event where we truly bonded over art and literature!  's book launch
19/08/2024

In Times of India
A spectacular star-studded event where we truly bonded over art and literature!

's book launch


Today at the farm...We have been sowing and transplanting and getting the patches ready. Even with lots of rain this yea...
17/08/2024

Today at the farm...
We have been sowing and transplanting and getting the patches ready. Even with lots of rain this year, the temperature is scorching hot and beats us down relentlessly.
But here we are, with hopes of the new crop season that the month of Aadi ushers in.

Met  ma'am and was blown away by her down-to-earth demeanor. She was so kind during our brief interaction. After listeni...
16/08/2024

Met ma'am and was blown away by her down-to-earth demeanor. She was so kind during our brief interaction. After listening to premise of my book, she enthusiastically shared about her friend's green initiatives and how she had actively supported and campaigned for the cause. A celebrity with a heart of gold! Respect 💚

This happened on Wednesday at my author friend 's book launch event. His book "The last witness" is a fast-paced thriller and has received rave reviews. Do pick it up and if you are a thriller ju**ie, this book would be treat.
It was wonderful to be a part of this event, which also turned out to be a great way to meet my author friends and support each other.

Today .on.ecr 's Farmer's Market Me with my Book "Farmer Sutra"It's published by  and represented by  . It's available o...
10/08/2024

Today .on.ecr 's Farmer's Market
Me with my Book "Farmer Sutra"
It's published by and represented by . It's available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle version.

It's a memoir of my farming journey and yet it's much more than just garden talk, rather it encompasses a journey of a mother balancing work and family and also finding ways to fulfill her passion. It's a slice of life, parenting, family and farming dreams all rolled in one.

I am sure you will see yourself in me as you read it. Shower your love and support for this labour of love. Can't wait for you to read it and share your thoughts.

Order today. Link in the bio
.ecr

Come tomorrow and get a chance to experience a one-of-a-kind Farmer's Market with tons of activities, shopping, food and...
09/08/2024

Come tomorrow and get a chance to experience a one-of-a-kind Farmer's Market with tons of activities, shopping, food and fun; plus meet me and we can discuss all about organic farming...

Venue- Hibiscus Café, ECR, Chennai

You can meet me between 3-4. So drop by for a unique experience at this beautiful Café.

You would read about him in my book and I have mentioned him in the acknowledgements as well. If you don't know him yet ...
02/08/2024

You would read about him in my book and I have mentioned him in the acknowledgements as well.
If you don't know him yet just google and you will be amazed! His whole house runs on Solar power and he doesn't have the need to pay electricity bill. He has a biogas set-up, rainwater harvesting system, an air to water conversion machine and a terrace garden, which allows him the privilege to live a self sustaining lifestyle amidst the concrete jungle that Chennai is. He is a man ahead of his times.
He is none other than the legendary "Solar man of Chennai" Mr. Suresh, fondly called Solar Suresh and rightly so.

When I told him about my book back when it had released, he was so happy for me and excited to read it that he purchased the book even before I could gift him a copy myself! After our initial encounter in 2018 and subsequent meetings, I met him yesterday.

He had asked me for some saplings and seeds for his garden especially to be sown on aadi perukku (auspicious day for sowing). Though being a working day, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to meet him. It was wonderful meeting him and his lovely wife who fed me some delicious payasam. Such an endearing couple they are and such generous hosts. It's indeed a privilege to know such exemplary humans!

Chennai friends, this is happening tomorrow at ECR. Register today!
02/08/2024

Chennai friends, this is happening tomorrow at ECR.

Register today!



Book online tickets for KITCHEN GARDENING WORKSHOP in Chennai on BookMyShow which is a workshops event happening at Hibiscus Cafe: Chennai

Workshop Alert!!!I'll be conducting a Kitchen Gardening workshop this Saturday,  Aug 3rd, at .on.ecr Chennai folks who a...
29/07/2024

Workshop Alert!!!
I'll be conducting a Kitchen Gardening workshop this Saturday, Aug 3rd, at .on.ecr
Chennai folks who are interested in starting your own garden, please register and I'll see you on Saturday!


Today's bounty...Local, Seasonal, and oh so delicious!
19/07/2024

Today's bounty...
Local, Seasonal, and oh so delicious!

I had been a bit unwell for a couple of days and going to the farm felt unlikely. But then today morning,  I felt a litt...
13/07/2024

I had been a bit unwell for a couple of days and going to the farm felt unlikely. But then today morning, I felt a little better and thought why not! I am only going to rest there so no big farm chores.
And so, I thought.
Started packing things for the stay-over and realized, I'd rather pack a few ingredients to cook our meals.
A few minutes later...
I had rice, lentils, masalas, roti dough, potato boiled and mashed for aloo paratha, coffee decoction, tea ingredients, (but of course, I mean who can survive without tea) then, a little vermicelli and poha...just in case, some onions, tomatoes, beans, carrots, garlic...you know...
Well, lets say we packed and started on our merry way but decided why not check out the fresh catch at the kovalam fish mart. So we did.
Reached the farm, tackled sesame harvest first, then sowed a ton of seeds, made lunch (check pics), sorted out the much needed mess of all the DIY work we had been upto for months...and that's where I'm at.

That's all for now...
This is yours truly (crazy) signing off...

PS: I'm well. Will have wait and see how my body feels tomorrow. The things people do for relaxing...😅


About last week...I was invited as a Judge for the "Shark Tank" event as part of an inter-school competition. 11 schools...
12/07/2024

About last week...
I was invited as a Judge for the "Shark Tank" event as part of an inter-school competition.
11 schools participated and the kids were so talented. They had to showcase a unique product that was and -friendly. (Wish this was the prerequisite for the real shark tanks too)

Needless to say I had a WHALE of a time being a SHARK (get it) 😂
-friendly

3 days of bliss in the hills and valleys of Kodaikanal. This time around we ditched the tourist tropes and explored the ...
01/07/2024

3 days of bliss in the hills and valleys of Kodaikanal.
This time around we ditched the tourist tropes and explored the offbeat locales and it was breathtakingly beautiful.
Will write an elaborate post soon with all the deats.

For now, my heart is still in Kodai...

A fresh start! A new beginning...Our gardens come alive as we start another academic year with enthusiasm 😇
26/06/2024

A fresh start!
A new beginning...
Our gardens come alive as we start another academic year with enthusiasm 😇

About today's session at Bangalore!!!I had an amazing time conducting a session for a bunch of gardening enthusiasts. Du...
22/06/2024

About today's session at Bangalore!!!
I had an amazing time conducting a session for a bunch of gardening enthusiasts. During such interactions I realize time and again, how this connection we feel towards nature is such an inherent thing. It's just a matter of how dormant or alive it is within each of us. Only the degree of dormancy is differs...
The desire for connection is a given. There's no denying it 💚
It was wonderful to witness the audience resonating with my journey and picking up my book. Had a fun time connecting with like-minded people.

Extremely grateful to Savitha of for inviting me to this incredible event "Biodegradable Santhe"
Her sustainable clothing brand is a breath of fresh air among the fast fashion that surrounds us. They use flowers, leaves, roots and natural materials to dye their rain-fed, organic cotton dresses that are contemporary in design and stylish for fashion conscious folks!
Do check out her profile and see her amazing work.

My heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Prashanth, and my publisher Arup Bose for arranging the book sale.

Thank you Bangalore for all the love!

Do pick up my book "Farmer Sutra" if you haven't and let's connect!


Posted  •  An inspiring memoir!Kalpana Manivannan’s 'Farmer Sutra' is a tender and compelling memoir that chronicles a r...
20/06/2024

Posted • An inspiring memoir!

Kalpana Manivannan’s 'Farmer Sutra' is a tender and compelling memoir that chronicles a remarkable journey of courage, conviction, and the rediscovery of life’s true essence through the soil beneath our feet.

Driven by a growing concern over the harmful effects of chemically laden produce, Kalpana embarks on a bold departure from her career as a dedicated school teacher and academic coordinator to pursue her dream of cultivating an organic farm. What unfolds is not just a narrative of agricultural endeavour, but a deeply personal odyssey enriched by the unwavering support of her husband, Mani. Their partnership, marked by heartwarming interactions and gentle wisdom, lends a poignant backdrop to Kalpana’s spirited quest.

Throughout the narrative, Kalpana’s endearing quirks infuse each page with laughter and warmth. From her meticulous fretting over flower choices and wallpaper designs for their idyllic farmstead to her inadvertent eagerness in land negotiations with Naveen, every anecdote brims with humour and humanity. Her encounters at government offices, where she comically navigates bureaucratic mazes to obscure her urban roots, resonate with both hilarity and the resilience of her spirit.

The poignant exchange with her child, M, about opting for computer science over the intricate diagrams of biology textbooks, reveals a touching bond between mother and child, as well as the universal truths of youthful aspirations and parental guidance.

Yet, amidst the laughter and familial warmth, 'Farmer Sutra' delves deeper into the profound joys and challenges of cultivating one’s own sustenance. Kalpana’s narrative unfolds like the seasons she learns to harness, with each chapter revealing the delicate dance between sowing and reaping, understanding the intricate root systems, and fostering symbiotic relationships that nurture a thriving ecosystem.

Rating: 4.6/5

Thank you so much for this wholesome and heartwarming review 💖 You made my day. So glad you enjoyed reading it!



This beautiful event is happening this Saturday, on 22 Jun 2024 in Bangalore.  Venue details shared below.This was initi...
18/06/2024

This beautiful event is happening this Saturday, on 22 Jun 2024 in Bangalore. Venue details shared below.
This was initiated by my dear friend Savitha of who approached me to conduct a gardening session for her community members. What started with an idea quickly blossomed into this amazing event with many like-minded sustainable brands coming together.

How blessed am I to have friends like her 😇 Do visit her handle for some amazing designs.

If you are in Bangalore, do visit this one-of-kind Santhe, meet some amazing brands and attend my Free Gardening Session as well. My book will be available for purchase and you can get a signed copy of my book "Farmer Sutra" while you are there.

So, drop by and I'll see you soon!

Venue-
Atlantis, Zephyr Clubhouse, Prestige Lakeside Habitat, Varthur Rd, Bangalore.

My session - 4 to 5 pm
Event timing - 11 am - 6:30 pm

💥Book Review time:There are over 100+ reviews of my book "Farmer Sutra" on Amazon and Goodreads! It's heartening to see ...
14/06/2024

💥Book Review time:
There are over 100+ reviews of my book "Farmer Sutra" on Amazon and Goodreads! It's heartening to see how readers resonate with your story...The reviews make me believe over and over again in the purpose of writing this memoir.

Thank you readers! You have no idea how precious your words are to me and how much they make this author's heart sing ♥️

If you have read my book, please do share your thoughts! You know how much I would love that. If you haven't picked it yet, then please do so by clicking the link in the bio.

Looking forward to your reviews...



76 acres of lush forest in the mesmerising hills of Kodai! Wait, there’s more…Within this space is a self-sustaining org...
09/05/2024

76 acres of lush forest in the mesmerising hills of Kodai!
Wait, there’s more…Within this space is a self-sustaining organic farm that provides for all the food needs and a completely self-reliant water supply system provided by many natural ponds and streams that’s supported by wells that are periodically recharged by these ponds during rains.

A complete natural habitat that contributes to the restoration of biodiversity, promotes harmonious association with nature and mitigates climate change, setting an outstanding example for a future proof location; an ecosystem immersed in natural living where humans co-exist in harmony.

In what I would call a serendipitous encounter, when I received a random message from someone who bought my book “Farmer Sutra” and found it interesting enough to browse through my website and contact me. In his message he shared about his interest in organic farming and biodiversity conservation. A few more exchanges led to meeting this gentleman in person. Turns out he is the Founder of TKN Eco Farm, Teakayen Estate and Ekantha Wellness Centre. He insisted that we visit his property sometime, low and behold we find ourselves (my husband and I) at this beautiful, picturesque destination nestled in Kodai Hills.

Who doesn’t like the hills, but add to that a thriving organic farm and a wellness centre too, how amazing is that! We were totally floored by the prospect of this beautiful merging of all things we loved so dearly. When we arrived on the property, it was beyond what we had envisioned. It was so much more charming and absolutely enchanting!



More on my blog -

76 acres of lush forest in the mesmerising hills of Kodai! Wait, there’s more…Within this space, a self-sustaining organic farm that provides for all the food needs and a completely self-reliant water supply system provided

05/05/2024

Book signing event at Bangalore!
Had a great time signing books, meeting friends and catching up! Sandhya Renukamba, Debmita Dutta, Poornima, I'm still basking in the warmth of your kindness. Thanks so much for making the time to meet me! Had an unforgettable time with you! Will cherish these moments forever ❤️

Thank you for your amazing hospitality. I had a wonderful time!
My heartfelt thanks to for hosting me.

I'm Grateful beyond words to Srishti Publishers & Distributors for making all of this possible! Thank you Arup Bose my publisher, Stuti Sharma Gupta my wonderful editor, Prashanth, sales manager for coordinating the event so well and Suhail Mathur The Book Bakers for representing my book and bringing it into the world.

Finally thanks to all my amazing readers! Please continue to shower your love for my book 🙏😊

Until next time Bangalore! Lots of love!

📣Bangalore friends!!! I am coming to your city! I'll be at the following bookstores on May 4th, Saturday, for a Book Sig...
30/04/2024

📣Bangalore friends!!!
I am coming to your city!
I'll be at the following bookstores on May 4th, Saturday, for a Book Signing Event of my book "Farmer Sutra"

1. Bookhome, Church Street, Shivaji Nagar - 4th May at 5:00 PM

2. The Bookhive, 52, Church Street, Ashok Nagar - 4th May at 5:30 PM

Hoping we can meet and catch up. Please drop by, I'd love to meet you 😊

PS: I have made some amazing friends here (the one reason I tolerate a lot of unsavory stuff about sm in general) and as we all do, we try our best to meet each other in person whenever possible. Can't wait to make memories with you 🥰

I can't thank my publishers enough for making all of this possible Srishti Publishers & Distributors Arup Bose. Thanks to my literary agent Suhail Mathur The Book Bakers for making this dream come true!


29/04/2024

Farmhouse project underway...
Style theme - Shabby Chic French Country

With Corporate Sessions done for the week and School Farming wrapped up for this Academic Year, it's time to focus on my farmhouse interiors. I waited 5 years for this...3 years since I could clearly envision it.

Weekend was spent blissfully working on bedroom wallpapering and painting. Doing it all "DIY style" with minimal profesional intervention.
That means tons of YouTube tutorials and researching. Lots of self-doubt and goof-ups but what a huge learning curve! I gotta tell you, nothing is more soul-nourishing as dreaming up something and then making it happen with your own bare hands! ✨

Tired to the bones working all day, (and past midnight on both days)...phew, but super happy! Totally satisfied by how things are progressing...

This summer I am bringing my 5 year dream to fruition.

The whole process will be up on my YouTube channel shortly.

Let me know if you'd like updates on what all I am working on currently...

26/04/2024

What a wonderful closure to the farming session at HLC International
Kids performances were outstanding. Such creativity in their presentation of all they learnt through the year in farming!!!
Different aspects/topics of farming, be it sowing, transpanting, clean food, importance of local & seasonal eating, insects and pests, why organic and many more, brought out in the form of skits, songs, puppet show, debate, demos and much more. Music composition, props and dialogue writing, all done exclusively by students of grade 4 & 5, mind you...

So heartwarming ❤️❤️
Thanks a ton to teachers for guiding them and supporting their creative outlets so beautifully. A big hug to my darling kids for an astounding presentation of their learning in such a fun and engaging manner.
Kudos 👏👏👏
This was presented to grade 1, 2 and 3 students and teachers as a way of sharing their learning. Loved how every single student took part in this activity💚

When someone asks, "how does teaching farming to small kids help"? All I can say is, it not just helps them but in turn they take home the message and deliver it quite powerfully, transforming their parents, extended families and community members at large. I have witnessed it year on year in schools and have received amazing feedback to this effect.

Children are strong proponents of nature and if we teach them the right things, they can transform the world!

Yesterday's session at Zifo Technologies. It was amazing to conduct a session for a bunch of young adults. The interest ...
25/04/2024

Yesterday's session at Zifo Technologies. It was amazing to conduct a session for a bunch of young adults. The interest in wanting to make changes in their lives individually and collectively as a team towards a more sustainable future was palpable.

What's more! Offlate meeting my students wherever I conduct a session has become the icing on the cake. I was pleasantly surprised to meet two of my students there!
Earlier during an author meet session at TCS, I met one of students who came down from another part of the city office to meet me.
It's such a blessing to meet the littles you once taught.

Super excited for this event today at Zifo Technologies.
24/04/2024

Super excited for this event today at Zifo Technologies.

Address


Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kalpavriksha Farms posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Kalpavriksha Farms:

Videos

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Telephone
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Share