12 Apr, 2022

NIMS Entrepreneurship Cell arranged an opportunity for the students to explore the TONA Organic Farm located near Kolkata Airport, West Bengal. The purpose was to educate students via experimental learning and introduce them to entrepreneurial avenues in the organic farming sector.

Established in 2003, TONA is a pioneer of end-to-end integrated organic farming in India, operated and co-owned by the farmers of the Tona village. The model organic farm focuses on engaging local farmers to create an indigenous, pollution-free farming ecosystem through a zero-waste and chemical-free farming practice. The idea is to produce affordable organic food and agro products and make farming a lucrative and sustainable career option.

Mr. Nirmalya Ghosh, Executive Director, TONA, presented on sustainable eco-friendly farming practices and rediscovering the lost farming methods with the infusion of modern science. Dr. Subir Ghosh, Principal NIMS, also gave a presentation on "Organic Farming: An initiative towards Entrepreneurial Startup".

An interactive session was held between the students and Mr. Uday Bhanu Roy, Executive Director, TONA. Thereafter, the students experienced a thorough tour of the farmhouse under the guidance of TONA's resource person.

The exploration of TONA truly helped the students learn how a combination of Aquaponics, Hydroponics, Vertical Farming, Organic Animal Rearing and 100% Bio-waste Recycling can be used to develop an industry without destroying the lives of farming communities and preserving the bounty of mother earth.

Organic farming is the need of the hour and it is a lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity for the youth. The exploration gave the students an insight into the farming sector that shall help them further their understanding of the best practices in this area.