Vani wants to Grow her own Food and Live a Sustainable Life

We at A Journalist Reveals have been on the lookout for people using environmentally friendly methods for various processes required in our life. One of the requirements was organic farming. It so happened that my own cousin sister, my paternal aunt’s daughter is into it. Vani Murthy was inspired by environmental issues that plagued Bangalore, her hometown and she took up this demanding task. To introduce her, Vani is a commerce graduate and was a cricketer during her college years – 1977 to 1982. Excerpts from the interview:

What inspired you to start an organic garden?

I got involved in the solid waste management of my city after visiting the landfill and started creating awareness to get citizens to take responsibility for the waste they generate. We formed a group called the Solid Waste Management Roundtable and promoted source segregation, recycling and composting. I got very passionate about composting and that led me to start growing my own food. That was the start of my journey towards safe food.

What is the specialty of the garden? How do you take care of it?

My garden is an edible one, grown with the compost I make and no chemicals are used. Plants are grown naturally without the use of pesticides or any other chemicals. I water the garden regularly and use only natural fertilizers like Jeevaamruta, Panchagavya and vermicompost.

Have you tried growing plants in jute fibers instead of soil? If yes, what is the process?

No, I have not grown plants in Jute fibers. I believe that food should be grown in living soil, full of microorganisms.

What are your future plans for your garden?

Right now I live in a flat and grow my garden on the balcony and the terrace, soon I hope to develop a piece of land and grow my own food and live a sustainable life.