Aiding The Agrarian

At a time when the farmers in our country are in dire straits, Padma and Narsanna Koppula are helping them build sustainable, self-sufficient agricultural ecosystems, says Jamuna Rangachari

Narsanna Koppula was introduced to permaculture by Dr Venkat, Bill Mollison, and Robyn Francis, and participated in India’s first Permaculture Design Course conducted in 1987. He and his wife (and colleague), Padma, who were working for the DDS (Deccan Development Society), resonated with it completely and dedicated all their efforts to knowing more about it. In 1998, Narsanna quit his job at the DDS to spread permaculture across India and founded the Permaculture Association of India, along with Dr Venkat. Together, they conducted short, practice-oriented workshops, held demonstrations, and distributed literature in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

In 1999, Padma and Narsanna founded their own NGO, Aranya Agricultural Alternatives (AAA), to introduce permaculture in large scale projects. They truly believed that it had the power to solve the many challenges faced by Indian farmers. Further, they wanted to ensure better implementation of government projects, especially those related to watershed management, and the duo quickly became a bridge between the government and local communities. “I felt I must restore the ownership of land back to farmers, especially rural women, so that they remain self-sufficient,” said Padma, adding that these farmers and women were her main inspiration on this journey. As I spoke to her, I could sense her passion for the mission she has undertaken, along with her husband.

Aranya Agricultural Alternatives