Shantibagh: Uttarakhand's First Agrivoltaic Permaculture Eco-Village
- Greenassets.in
- Aug 15
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Today on India's 79th Independence Day, we are thrilled to announce the establishment of Shantibagh, Uttarakhand's first-ever agrivoltaic permaculture eco-village ("APEV")! Integrating solar power plants with natural farming of medicinal herbs and perennial food forests is the most planet friendly way for communities to live. Our need for energy to power our lives is as critical as access to healthy, nutritious food and affordable medication. We are grateful for god's blessings to be creating this experience centre along side the river Gagas in the foothills of the himalayas.
Scroll down to read on! ( Or visit our project location on Google Earth - https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1kDRnZbPW501BZ3CJKqcyj0VZQleeMv0o?usp=sharing)
This groundbreaking initiative, dedicated to the resilient people of India by Group Captain Rohit Rai VM, is set to pave the way for a prosperous future built on the strength of our land and its people. Located in the scenic valley of Tadigaon, we are around 80 KMs from the Dhikala core zone of Jim Corbett National Park. A scenic drive via Mohaan towards Ranikhet brings you to a quaint riverside village called Tipola. We are on NH109 around 2 KMS Northwards along the river from there. Our vision for Shantibagh is for it to be a community owned project with many opportunities for like minded people to join us. The community will consist of permanent and part time residents, as well as nature lovers who wish to be a part of such a self sustaining community that puts nature and others before ourself. This community owned project will also be the launchpad for the Green Token project, that aims to provide a community owned secure asset that appreciates steadily with time; while being liquidatable as per a member's needs in any proportion at any time. The success in tokenization of an APEV would be a huge boost for sustainability conscious investors worldwide. Most of us want to put our capital into projects that have a positive environmental and social impact. Building a platform to do this and joining hands with future APEV communities is an exciting vision to help connect people and build many more such communities around the world.
Shantibagh embodies the principles of sustainable living, integrating cutting-edge agricultural practices with ecological mindfulness.
Shantibagh is poised to revolutionize the agrivoltaic landscape. At its core lies the natural farming method championed by Padma Shri Dr. Subhash Palekar, focusing on sustainability by eliminating synthetic chemicals, reducing production costs, and fostering ecological balance. Through its Initial Coin Offering (ICO), Shantibagh seeks to attract eco-conscious investors who prioritize profitability alongside environmental stewardship. This project is not just a financial opportunity; it is a catalyst for planetary health.
Honoring Rohit Rai: A Beacon of Inspiration
This initiative is a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit of the people of India, whose unwavering commitment to sustainability and community inspires us every single day. At the forefront of this endeavor is Group Captain Rohit Rai VM, a distinguished veteran of the Indian Armed Forces who has offered us his land to create this community on.
His illustrious career is marked by profound duty and integrity, making him a beacon of inspiration for many. Rohit Rai was among the pioneering helicopter pilots who bravely positioned our soldiers on the treacherous Siachen glacier, a mission critical to safeguarding our northern frontiers. His efforts not only ensured the safety of our troops but also exemplified the spirit of sacrifice synonymous with the Indian Armed Forces. With extensive experience in leadership and strategic planning, Group Captain Rai has made significant contributions to both national security and community development, tirelessly working for a brighter and more secure future for generations to come. We are grateful for his enthusiastic support in every step of this journey.
The Vision of Shantibagh: A Sustainable Future
We proudly launch Shantibagh today as a vision for a sustainable future. This initiative seeks to balance development with environmental stewardship, emphasizing sustainable practices that benefit both the community and the planet. By fostering collaboration and empowering local communities, Shantibagh aims to address current challenges and build a resilient society. We invite everyone to join us in cultivating a culture of sustainability, where every action contributes to the greater good. Together, we can honor those who have served of our nation and work towards a future of compassion, responsibility, and unity, making Shantibagh a symbol of hope and progress for future generations.
Our commitments towards this project
Maximize the Greenhouse Gas Reduction potential of our village.
Support existing Ecosystems and Biodiversity.
Support local Food Security.
Environmental Benefits: A Leader in Greenhouse Gas Reduction
The environmental impact of natural farming is substantial. Its main advantage lies in its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture contributes significantly to global GHG emissions, accounting for about 14-18% of total emissions. Methane from livestock, nitrous oxide from fertilizers, and carbon dioxide from land-use changes are primary sources. We will directly tackle these issues and support the fight against climate change.
Soil Carbon Sequestration
SPNF methods, such as mulching and minimal tillage, augment soil organic matter. This organic matter acts as a carbon sink. Studies suggest that natural farming can sequester 0.5-1 ton of carbon per hectare annually. This is considerably more than traditional farming, which often depletes soil carbon. Such sequestration not only lowers atmospheric CO2 levels but also enhances soil fertility. This leads to long-term productivity and sustainability.
Elimination of Synthetic Fertilizers
The manufacturing and application of chemical fertilizers are significant sources of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. At Shantibagh use of only natural inputs will virtually eliminate emissions associated with fertilizers.
Lower Energy Use
In contrast to tech-intensive farming techniques like vertical farming, which rely on energy-heavy systems for lighting and climate control, our plan is low-energy. This aspect reduces the carbon footprint tied to energy consumption, making it a more climate-friendly option.
Supporting Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Our natural farming approach not only helps reduce GHG emissions but also plays a vital role in enhancing ecosystem health. Chemical-intensive farming leads to soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to vital pollinators like bees. These factors are critical for global food security. In contrast, we will promote biodiversity through techniques like intercropping and natural pest management. These practices create habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and soil microbes, promoting ecosystem resilience.
Why Sustainable Investments Are Essential
There is a pressing need for investments that yield good returns and benefit the environment. Traditional investments may lead to ecological harm, but the Green Token ICO aims to set a better standard.
Imagine having ownership in an agrivoltaic permaculture eco-village where sunlight not only generates clean energy but also supports the growth of herbs, flowers, fruits, and trees. This approach not only allows for income generation through renewable energy but also enables community members to profit from organic farming, forestry, real estate, and vacation rentals; all while harmonizing with nature.
This model offers a holistic investment strategy, merging cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility.
Joining our community means contributing to the responsible use of land. We offer a hassle free experience for you to support organic farming and bio-diversity conservation while participating in the growth of renewable energy and solar power adoption. Studies show that investments in sustainable projects can yield financial returns up to 30% higher than traditional ones. Contributing to our planet’s health also brings joy and personal satisfaction beyond all the tangible benefits we elaborate on below.
The Multifaceted Revenue Model of an Agrivoltaic Permaculture Eco-village ( "APEV")
Shantibagh eco-village embraces a versatile revenue model from our solar farms, ensuring robust returns for our community members. Here are some revenue sources we plan to tap into:
Solar Energy Production: : Most income will come from selling solar power back to the grid, leveraging government incentives and favorable net metering. States like Uttarakhand, with strong solar incentives, see installations increasing by 50% annually. Investing in managed solar farms can yield over 20% returns annually for 25 years. We plan to use 50%-60% of the total area for elevated agrivoltaics solar power plants.
Organic Medicinal Herb Farming: Growing crops alongside solar panels creates additional revenue. We plan to use the Subhash Palekar Natural Farming method to maximize the area below the solar canopy. A mix of dried herbs and fresh organic produce will support local markets and promote sustainable practices. AI models will help identify high-value crops like stevia, ashwagandha, white museli, black turmeric, and holy basil. This method may also boost solar power generation by over 5% due to the cooling effect of transpiration.
Real Estate Development: We will create sustainable vacation rentals in our eco-village to attract nature enthusiasts. Eco-tourism is expected to grow by 65% in five years. Our vision includes building with traditional methods and locally sourced materials like mud, bamboo, wood, and stone. Uttarakhand is home to over 600 bird species and numerous pristine trails in nature reserves and national parks all around us.
Pollinator Partnerships: : Bees are essential for pollination, boosting agricultural yields and biodiversity. Cultivating bees and flowers can generate revenue from honey and wax, increasing agricultural productivity by over 20%. A single beehive can produce over 100 pounds of honey annually with minimal investment. Additional revenue can come from bee wax balms, flavored chapsticks, and scented candles.
Permaculture & Agri-Forestry: Establishing bamboo and tree plantations on non developable land will create timber and food forests that appreciate in value. Potential trees include white sandalwood, walnut, teak, moringa, coffee, neem and fig. These zones act as carbon sinks, provide homes to many species of beautiful birds and help in nuturing bio-diversity in the area.
Wild Mushroom Farming: Areas in shadow from hills or trees are ideal for high-value Morrell and Shitake mushrooms. These mushrooms are in high demand for their nutritional and anti-aging benefits, making them a valuable addition to the project.
Eco Tourism and Learning Centre: We will offer ticketed experiences for tourists, including guided nature walks - Food Forest and Herb Garden, Wild Mushrooms and Medicinals Trail, Riverside Bamboo and Bird Watching Trail. Weekend and weekly events will cover topics like Agrivoltaic Farming, Fruit Picking, Permaculture Design, Cooking & Food Preservation, Wine Making, Harvesting Festivals, Musical Events, Yoga, Sound Healing Retreats, Naturopathy an d more.
These diverse components contribute to a sustainable ecosystem, presenting a solid investment strategy that benefits both our planet and our community.
Are you ready to be part of a self sustaining eco-village in the Himalayas? Join us on this journey and help in creating a utopian community brimming with health, joy and abundance!
