It now seems like another lifetime, we were regular small-town people with no idea what animal husbandry meant. On an impulse (that’s how every good story starts, isn’t it?), we went out and got our first two cows - Laxmi and Gauri - as well as baby Cinnamon (Laxmi’s daughter) that came as an add-on. We had heard/read a lot about how cows could provide for acres and acres of farmlands. We built a mental model around it to lead us to move toward farming and closer to nature. We wanted to lead a sustainable lifestyle and leave something positive behind.
Soon after getting our first cows, we started to come face to face with the reality of the industry. The first thing we realised was that cattle rearing, nowadays, is considered to be amongst the lowest levels of occupation. So anyone who had any kind of other option was trying to move as far away from it as they could. Meaning that we struggled to find a mentor to guide us or even help in the form of labour.
The second thing we found out was that the best way to get funds to feed the cows was to do dairy. And it was not possible to be ethical and still get some money out of the dairy business. We started noticing how others were operating. Calves were being abandoned without any consideration and more often than not a cow would be abandoned if it was not “profitable” anymore. We did not do that and we would never abandon or even sell any of our beloved animals.
The third and most difficult thing we discovered was that veterinary care in India is in shambles, especially when it comes down to cattle. We have seen “senior” vets that are unable to read simple blood reports. Keeping our animals happy and healthy was very challenging. There is a very grim idea among many vets, that if a cow is not giving good milk or, god forbid, it is a bull, it is not worth fighting for. We have had vets pity us and even laugh at us for trying to save male calves.
Fast forward a few years and here we were with a lot of cows, no help and no proper medical facilities. We were making ghee from our cows milk and found support from a few who bought ghee from us but we kept coming to the same conclusion, that it still wasn’t profitable if we wanted to follow our ethics. We finally decided to make, what most described as, a “stupid” decision. We stopped using our cows for milk production. We didn’t have enough space, as we still lived in a small town and kept our cows in the backyard. It was not fair to them. So we decided that the only ethical thing to do was to stay true to our commitment and not abandon our cows. They were our responsibility and they had our hearts.
We decided to keep our cows and pay for them instead of giving them away or even selling them. We knew no one could love and care for them like we did. The decision was made that we would have to work even harder to afford them. For our sake and theirs we packed them in three 20-foot-long trucks and moved to the mountains where we all can breathe fresh air and be free.
You may have a question about why there’s ghee and milk powder in our shop. It’s quite simple really. Those who trusted us with their ghee supply wanted our recommendation for other trustworthy ghee sellers, but we didn’t know any. However, we knew where to source it. So the ghee and milk powder found in our shop is the next best thing to what we used to have. This ghee is sourced from indigenous and tribal people who herd gir cows in forests. These cattle are not abandoned and they get to spend their days in the fresh air of the forests. Their diets are plentiful with a mix of different grasses.
By Madhur Goyal /
What does the refined in refined oil mean? What are they refining? Why are they refining it? We all have eaten refined oil in our food at some point. It is, afterall, the most commonly used oil. Let’s find out what “refining the oil” actually means.
By Madhur Goyal /
Agroforestry is a sustainable land management approach that can offer a lot of benefits to both people and the planet. By utilising the link between agriculture and forests we can aim to achieve food security, conserve biodiversity and slow down climate change. We really need to give some thought to promoting agroforestry.
By Madhur Goyal /
Cattle rearing has been a pillar of agriculture and livelihoods for thousands of years. Over generations, cattle rearing has become more and more financially motivated. With environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and food security in mind, there needs to be a shift towards conscious cattle rearing. With a holistic approach that balances economic viability with ethical and environmental responsibility, we can follow principles and practices of conscious cattle rearing.
By Madhur Goyal /
The concept of regenerative agriculture is a promising approach to address pressing environmental challenges while ensuring food security. Unlike conventional farming methods that often degrade soil health and contribute to environmental degradation, regenerative agriculture aims to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and promote flexibility against climate change. Principles of regenerative agriculture can be a transformative practice for sustainable food production.
By Madhur Goyal /
Emmer wheat shows the ingenuity of ancient civilizations and the appeal of traditional crops in the modern world. Its remarkable nutritional benefits, resilience, and cultural significance underscore its importance as a sustainable food source for future generations. By embracing emmer wheat and other ancient grains, we can reconnect with our agricultural heritage and promote a healthier, more diverse food system.
By Madhur Goyal /
What are “heirloom seeds” and why do we keep seeing ,and sometimes, even hearing these words? Well, the term “heirloom seeds” means exactly what it sounds like. Heirloom seeds are seeds passed down through generations, typically for at least 50 years, often within a specific region or community.
