Organic food nourishes the body and purifies the spirit, not just of the individual but also of our planet. Here is the what, why and how of organics – to make your transition to organic, swifter and smoother

Organic farming: A Love Story

Hemant Chabbra and his wife Sangeeta bought Hideout, a wonderful little organic farm 20 years ago as a getaway from the stressed, toxic life that Mumbai offered. Just two hours away, in Vikramgarh district, Hideout was a perfect place for them to feel one with nature and rejuvenate themselves. However, it was after hearing their friend from Switzerland share the sorrow of birds and dying trees, that the duo awakened to the fact that their farmhouse could be a lot more than just a weekend getaway. Suddenly, they had a desire to produce organic food and offer it to the cities, surviving on toxins. Suddenly, they discovered what it meant to be farmers not just on weekends, but at all times. For both of them, 'organic' did not just mean no use of chemicals, but also loving their plants. It meant their plants were 'alive' and needed all that humans need to survive – food, water and yes, lots of love. Hemant actually meditates with his plants, chants with them, and yes, often sings them lullabies to let them know they are loved. He treats them just as he would treat his two young children. Sangeeta admits that she has done a lot of 'un-learning' in the company of their tribal friends who take care of the plants when the couple is away. They believe that plants grow with minimal interference; after all, the insects do all the work! For Hemant being an organic farmer has been a rational decision. He asks, "Would you unnecessarily drink medicines, boosters and chemicals? No? Then why feed our plants on it?" Not only do the Chabbras sell their organic goods, but Hideout has now also become a children's delight as they organise nature camps for youngsters who learn, early in life, that nature's way is the best way.