Agriculture
MSS, Warora has always been ahead of the curve. Happiness and mental health are valued along with dignity of labour and life. Flowers are cultivated here with the idea that their beauty helps bring positivity and happiness to the entire field and to the village as a whole. It is smart economics as well. The demand for flowers is on the rise as its potential per hectare is more than field crops. Beautiful flowers like sunflowers, marigolds etc. are cultivated here.
Vegetables - Self-sufficiency is what MSS, Warora aspires towards. Vegetables are primarily cultivated for internal consumption. The excess is sold in the local markets nearby. Many varieties of vegetables are grown here on an annual and seasonal basis like okra, eggplant, cucumber etc.
Fruits - Fruits are high on nutrients and it is important to include them in one’s diet. However, it is often an ignored part of a healthy diet. We cultivate various types of fruits like bananas, guavas and specially the famous Nagpur mandarins. For us, it is important to ensure that our residents get a balanced and quality diet.
The fodder provided to cattle directly influences the percentage of fat, protein and other nutrients in the milk. Dr. Vikas Amte started the ‘Rid the weed and plant the feed’ movement in Anandwan to begin cultivation for high protein fodder. This feed is special because it uses very little water to grow and results in phenomenal milk rich in nutrients.
Agriculture was the primary focus when Anandwan was established as Baba aimed for MSS, Warora to be a self-sufficient organization. Considering most of the patients had an agricultural background, the land was cultivated with various grains. Modern agriculture is practiced. However, the farming methods used are sustainable in nature. Paddy cultivation is the primary focus, as it was traditionally grown here. Additionally grains like wheat, tur etc are also cultivated.
Fertile black cotton soil along with healthy water management and conservation systems like the check dams and man-made lakes make it possible for us to cultivate a water intensive crop in the Vidharbha region of Maharashtra. High quality cotton is grown and then subsequently sold.
