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Mr. Ramesh Shivaji Khaladkar – astrological farmer!

Grows trees as per astrological stars for well being

Mental and health happiness is matter of concern for everyone in today’s cut throat competitive world. To rescue human beings from the distress Mr. Ramesh Shivaji Khaladkar provides a solution in Nakshatra Van. As the names suggests trees are planted as per the astrological stars. “Sitting under the birth star tree surely proffers physical and mental wellbeing,” says Mr. Khaladkar. He is based at a village near Ranjangaon MIDC, Maharashtra.

According to vedic taxonomy, zodiac is divided into 27 divisions. Each division is called nakshatra (star). Every star has its own designated tree. 360 degree of orbit is divided into 27 stars so nakshatra van has 27 trees. “It begins from Ashwini and ends at Revathi,” he elucidates. “Nakshatra van is a circular garden. In the list of nakshatras, Ashwini being first is placed at the centre in the north direction remaining are planted in sequential order in anticlockwise direction. Therefore on the left of Ashwini we have Bharani and to the right is Revathi.”

One acre is the minimum area required for making nakshatra van. It has three circles. “Outer circle is 29.4 meters, middle circle is 25 meters and inner most circle is 21 meters,” shares Mr. Khaladkar. “It is very crucial that every tree in the van is detached completely from other trees then only it shall be beneficial.” It takes 2-3 years for the trees to grow well.

All the trees are rich in medicinal properties, found in nursery easily. On the contrary Mr. Khaladkar insists, “Out of 27 trees only 5-6 tree varieties are rare that needs to be bought from nursery rest all other saplings can be developed easily. Trees like Krishnaguru are only found in Himalayas so we use sandalwood as its replacement.”

When asked about the monetary benefits of having trees planted as per astrological stars Mr. Khaladkar promptly says, “If anyone is looking for benefits beyond money then it is appropriate to develop nakshatra van else if the objective is only to earn money then it is not a viable option. Nakshatra van will provide the beneficiary with umpteen peace and wisdom. Growth will be attained more than the money power.” The purpose of Nakshatra van can never be merged with commercial farming however it can have the elements of aesthetics. “The position of trees has to be in strict alliance with its respective nakshatra rest one can add other features of landscaping like fountains, grasses etc,” he says.

“I prefer developing nakshatra van near public garden so that more and more people can take benefit from it,” he adds. Other than nakshatra van Mr. Khaladkar creates different varieties of garden dedicated to God and Goddess like Saraswathi Van, Lakshmi Van, Panchavati Van, Ganesh Van, Sita Van, Brindavan, Amba Van, Rashi Van, Shani Van, Nandan van etc.

Speaking on as how it is decided which van needs to be created he explains, “It depends on the purpose and location like for example in high school and colleges, I have made Saraswati van as these are educational institutes. In this van I planted trees namely almond, coconut, amla, peepal, harda and plants like brahmi, masa, shankhapushpi, nikhand, garlic, jatamashi etc. Similarly if the van needs to be created in the campus having Ganesh temple then Ganesh van is ideal that has hibiscus, chrysanthemum, wood apple, banana tree etc.”

Mr. Khaladkar proudly calls himself as organic farmer who uses science in farming. Sharing a tip to control the pest in the farm he says, “Across the periphery of the farm it is ideal to put different varieties of trees one after the other.” In this way Mr. Khaladkar has created a mixed fruit farm.

“Mixed fruit garden is my own idea. I have 60ftx60ft garden. Past 4-5 years there is no attack of any disease or insect in my farm. I have fruit trees in mixed type such that an insect of one tree will eat insects of other fruit trees. Even different birds come to these trees and feeds on varied pests keeping the farm safe from pest attacks,” he shares. “I have planted 2 mango trees at a distance of 30ft and in-between I have planted one different fruit bearing tree. I cultivate orange, lemon, sweet lime, wood apple, amla, banana, coconut, jamoon, chickoo, pomegranate, guava, custard apple, ramphal etc in between two mango trees.” Grafted mango must be planted at the distance of 15 feet whereas desi mango variety needs the spacing of 30 feet.

Other seasonal crops grown at the farm are Tur, ground nuts and black gram etc. “I grow crops on rotation like onion in summer while sugarcane, gram, wheat in winters,” he says.

Mr. Ramesh Shivaji Khaladkar is an agriculturist past 26 years. He is providing consultancy on developing Nakshatra Van free of charge to people across India primarily to all Forest Department, educational institutes and even in farmer. He has planted more than 10 lakhs trees so far. “Ideally 35% of the total land in the lap of Mother nature must be rich forest however today it is less than 10%. I wish and pray things change for good and people get the wisdom to grow more trees for better tomorrow where mental and health wellbeing is easily achievable,” he signs off.

Contact details-

Mr. Ramesh Shivaji Khaladkar

Business Expert & CEO

Khaladkar Agribusiness Pvt. Ltd.

Address: A/P. Pimpari Dumala, Tal: Shirur, District: Pune - 412209, Maharashtra

Mobile: 09923553737

Email: - rkecovillage05@gmail.com

News article in innovative Farming (world press magazine)