Subhash Palekar’s 36x36 Model: The Future of Mixed Cropping and Organic Farming

Rethinking Farming with the 36x36 Model

When we talk about organic farming, few names carry as much weight as Subhash Palekar. His innovative 36x36 model has transformed how farmers think about land use, crop diversity, and soil regeneration. This model isn’t just a planting strategy; it’s a blueprint for self-sufficient, chemical-free agriculture that thrives on natural balance.

At Organic Mandya, the 36x36 approach stands as a living example of what sustainable farming can achieve. Over the past four months, this farm has seen promising growth across multiple crops mango, banana, drumstick, and cucumber proving that harmony between plants can yield abundance.

As Palekar often says, “Farming should be like nature: diverse, self-reliant, and ever-giving.”

What is the 36x36 Model?

At its core, the 36x36 model is a mixed cropping system where trees and crops are planted strategically across a 36-foot grid. Each section complements the other, ensuring that sunlight, water, and nutrients are shared efficiently.

Crop Type	Spacing	Benefit
Mango	36 feet apart	Provides canopy cover and shade balance
Banana	Between mango rows	Adds biomass and organic matter to soil
Drumstick	Intercropped	Natural nitrogen fixer
Cucumber	Ground-level layer	Prevents weed growth and retains moisture

This natural pattern of planting mimics a forest ecosystem. The result? Higher yields, improved soil fertility, and complete elimination of synthetic inputs.

 

Mango, Drumstick, Banana, and Cucumber: Growing Together in Balance

One of the highlights of this update is how the mango and banana plants are thriving together. Despite initial doubts about the shadow impact from the U-frame structure, the banana plants have grown taller and stronger, showing the resilience of a properly balanced ecosystem.

The drumstick trees, however, are taking their time to flower, a reminder that nature operates at its own pace. Their delayed blooming may shift harvest timing, but in return, they continue to enrich the soil with nitrogen and organic matter.

The cucumber crops, sown as part of the intercropping plan, have shown impressive adaptability, even under scorching temperatures of 100–120°F. Their ability to thrive under heat reflects the strength of the soil and the symbiotic balance created by the 36x36 model.

 

The Science Behind Mixed Cropping

Mixed cropping isn’t just about planting multiple crops together; it’s about designing relationships. Each crop contributes something shade, nitrogen, moisture, or organic matter that benefits the others.

Crop	Primary Role	Nutrient Contribution
Drumstick	Nitrogen fixer	Boosts soil fertility
Banana	Biomass generator	Adds potassium and organic residue
Mango	Long-term fruit tree	Provides natural canopy and humidity
Cucumber	Soil cover	Retains moisture and reduces erosion

This diversity naturally prevents pest infestations, enhances pollination, and keeps the soil alive. No chemicals, no pesticides just natural farming at its best.

 

Home Gardening and Local Markets

The model isn’t limited to large-scale farms. Palekar’s 36x36 layout can be adapted for home gardens too. In smaller spaces, crops like pomegranate, custard apple, and cucumber thrive beautifully together.

This approach empowers local growers to produce their own food sustainably and even sell surplus in nearby markets. It encourages a farm-to-market loop where the food is clean, local, and chemical-free.

As one farmer from Organic Mandya said, “When your soil is healthy, your market finds you.”

 

Nutritional Value of Key Crops

Crop	Key Nutrients	Health Benefits
Mango	Vitamins A and C and antioxidants	Boosts immunity and eye health
Banana	Potassium, fiber, Vitamin B6	Improves digestion and heart function
Drumstick	Iron, calcium, and protein	Strengthens bones and purifies blood
Cucumber	Water, magnesium, and Vitamin K	Keeps the body hydrated and supports skin health

These crops not only sustain the soil; they nourish the community. By cultivating such diversity, farmers ensure a continuous supply of nutrition both for the earth and the people it feeds.

 

Organic Mandya’s Progress with the 36x36 Model

Over the past few months, the 36x36 plots at Organic Mandya have shown visible improvements:

• Banana crops are midway through a strong growth cycle.
  
  
• Mango and custard apple trees have established healthy root systems.
  
  
• Drumstick plants, while delayed in flowering, show rich green foliage.
  
  
• Intercropped cucumbers continue to cover the soil, protecting it from heat and erosion.
  
  

The next phase will focus on harvest and yield analysis, providing data on how the model sustains productivity without synthetic fertilisers or irrigation stress.

 

Why This Model Matters for the Future

In an age where conventional farming relies heavily on monocropping and chemicals, the 36x36 model offers a return to natural farming principles. It’s scalable, low-cost, and deeply rooted in ecological intelligence.

Mixed cropping systems like this not only enhance biodiversity but also build climate resilience, a crucial need for the future of Indian agriculture.

“A farmer who plants diversity harvests security.”

 

FAQs

1. What is the main benefit of the 36x36 model?
   It maximises land use through mixed cropping, improving soil health and yield without chemical fertilisers.
2. Why is spacing set at 36 feet?
   The 36-foot distance allows optimal sunlight, airflow, and root expansion for tree crops like mango.
3. Can this model work on small farms?
   Yes, it can be scaled down for smaller plots or home gardens while maintaining the same crop diversity.
4. Which crops are best for mixed cropping?
   Mango, banana, drumstick, and cucumber work best due to their complementary nutrient and moisture cycles.
5. Does it reduce pest attacks?
   Yes, diversity in crops naturally disrupts pest breeding and creates a balanced ecosystem.