Finding its roots in the core values of caring for the Earth, as it is our prime home, Permaculture is a blend of two words- “permanent” and “agriculture” and has ever since evolved as it has expanded. It shifts focus from over-consumption and exploitation of resources to attaining a state of self-sustenance, without having to compromise on the needs of an individual.
Coined by the Australian ecologist Bill Mollison and his student David Holmgren, in the 1970s, the practice of permaculture came into being as a response to unstable agricultural methods that were straining the land resources and yielding disappointing results.
It is a mindful way of living, which works with nature rather than against it. The idea is to mimic the patterns found in the environment and apply them to all aspects of life ranging from human habitation, ecology, agriculture, and even economics. The transition is from being mere dependent consumers robbing nature of its resources to responsible producers that give more than take from nature and its limited resources.
While it aims at meeting certain goals, there are a few basic principles to practice Permaculture.
It is essential to observe the natural patterns around us and get a close understanding of what techniques would work best for the given area and climate. Depending on the topography and the climate of a specific region, the methods may vary and can result in success accordingly.
In times of abundance, resources can be stored to be used in times of need. Mindful resource allocation in times of surplus can help strike a balance in a time of shortage.
Always aims at obtaining a yield. This will also act as an immediate reward and will help in striving towards maintaining it. The holistic method of permaculture is to attain a maximum yield by using minimum resources.
Strive to attain a zero waste policy by discouraging inappropriate activities that can possibly lead to a system failure.
Over-exploitation of resources as well as technology-extensive methods can not only be high on cost but also harm the environment.
One of the core principles of Permaculture is to integrate rather than segregate. By placing the right things in the right places and supporting each other, relationships build and perform better. This applies to natural patterns as well as human capital.
Excessive size and growth might not benefit at all times. Instead, patient and small steps towards building a sustainable community are advisable.
Nature is a diverse place and this serves as an advantage in times of threat. Diversity reduces vulnerability. Adaptations as well as variations in the environment act as natural insurance.
Each element performs different functions and this often can overlap each other. The interface between varied elements can lead to higher productivity and can act as a solution in times of failure of a certain element.
Nature is versatile and is ever-changing. By observing these changes, we can get a better understanding of the inevitable processes and therefore, change our outlook towards them.
“Agriculture is not just agriculture – it’s a social responsibility,” quoted by the Indian permaculture practitioner Narsanna Koppula. He strongly believes Permaculture to be the solution to the Indian agrarian crisis. It has started to attract people from different sectors and backgrounds as well as the younger generations who believe in reestablishing a connection with nature.
The benefits of permaculture go beyond expanding one’s basket to contain multiple foods to achieving self-sufficiency and curtailing labour costs. While it meets the nutrition security, it does not do so at the cost of soil system and water, like in the case of the conventional industrial-agricultural farming methods.
A study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, recently reported Permaculture to be amongst the top 30 sustainable farming methods in the country. It has also improved the spatial, vertical and temporal diversity of species. In India, it finds purpose against the plight of our farmers and the country’s poor-quality water resources, waning bio-diversity, and soil health, owing to the long-term practice of conventional methods.
While the concept of “Farm to Fork”,is seen trending lately amongst the urban dwellers, the tribal population has not been far from it. They have been sustainable, skilled, and wise in their actions and relationship with nature ever since. It is these traditional societies that have been carrying forward the ethics of permaculture- Earth care, people care, and fair share. They believe and preach that the Earth is a living, breathing entity and requires nurturing to evade long-term negative effects.
These ethics throw light on each individual thriving through self-reliance and personal responsibility. It recognizes the greater wisdom that comes along with a group of people working together and focuses on positive outcomes rather than obstacles. Lastly, one of the prime ethics of the practice of permaculture is sharing of the surplus produce. By maintaining a balance between how much we can give and how much we can take, we can enjoy the abundance as a community.
Written by Mohit Gupta
Week 41 October 2021
