We have a proud revelation to make. Our chief garden supervisor holds a degree in agricultural science! No wonder he pays such keen attention to a just-planted neem or the sapling of a local tree species with the same diligence and concern that a doctor would show to a patient in need.
Tending to plants comes naturally to Hanumaiah, who comes from a family of farmers by tradition. He owns 7 acres in his native village of Beeramballi, just three kilometers away from our resort. He has put this land under rotational cropping - harvesting from it cotton, ragi, groundnut and various vegetables seasonally. He is a believer in integrated and organic farming and is keenly exploring ways to stimulate yield through natural means.
He says that the Orange County philosophy of ‘caring for the earth naturally’ is a source of much inspiration for him. It has motivated him to experiment with composting and other processes, which he carries out for us. He adds to our storehouse of knowledge in as much as we keep kindling new sparks in him. He hopes to be able to share his findings and enthusiasm for natural farming with other members of the farming fraternity of his village. The Kabini resort will be happy to patronise them and is working on buying their fresh produce for our tables someday. Who can accuse us now of missing the forest for the trees?
