Swapnil Rao and Mrunmayee Deshpande Rao, known as Neil and Momo, gave up their demanding city careers for a more relaxed life on a farm in Mahabaleshwar. Their farm demonstrates that the principles of sustainable development begin with everyday decisions.
After acquiring degraded land, they spent a full year observing it. They note that they simply had to observe, listen, and try to understand the needs of the land, as nature itself showed them the way.
Their small house is built using local laterite stone and lime instead of cement, and it is equipped with natural ventilation and solar energy, proving that thoughtful design can reduce energy consumption daily.
For their fruit orchard, they collect rainwater, and domestic greywater undergoes natural filtration through reed beds before being used to water banana plants.
Every food waste part is composted and returned to the soil. Instead of creating waste, they turn food scraps into nutrients that support the health of their farm.
The farm grows vegetables, fruits, spices, and local trees together. This rich combination has led to the return of over 40 local species of birds, pollinators, frogs, and beneficial insects.
All products, from handmade soap to shampoo bars, are packaged in biodegradable, recycled, or handmade paper. As Momo says, 'Zero plastic, always.'
Their workshops include an audit of simple living that encourages people to reduce waste. One participant even deleted all their e-commerce apps after going through this experience.
Guests are served traditional Maharashtrian dishes made predominantly from produce grown on the farm itself. Fresh, seasonal food becomes the most memorable part of the visit.
Over five years, these daily choices have transformed barren land into a healthy ecosystem. Momo concludes: 'When the land starts singing back to you, when the frogs croak at night, and the birds greet you in the morning, then you understand that this is real work.'
