Subhash Palekar’s 36x36 Model: The Future of Natural Farming and Fruit Forest Cultivation

Rethinking Agriculture through Natural Farming

The shift toward Natural Farming is more than a trend; it’s a movement that redefines how we grow food. At the forefront of this transformation is Subhash Palekar’s 36x36 Model, a revolutionary approach under Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) that blends science, sustainability, and profitability.

This model doesn’t rely on synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Instead, it nurtures soil health, biodiversity, and farmer independence. As Palekar often says, “Nature is the best teacher for a farmer. When we stop interfering, the land starts healing.”

Understanding the 36x36 Natural Farming Model

The 36x36 model refers to a layout where each plot measures 36 feet by 36 feet, allowing for systematic integration of various fruits and vegetables. The idea is simple but powerful: cultivate multiple crops that support one another while maintaining ecological balance.

In this model, farmers typically plant:

• Mango as the main perennial crop
  
  
• Banana and Pomegranate as supporting fruit plants
  
  
• Drumstick and Papaya for early returns
  
  
• Creepers and vegetables for soil coverage and quick yields
  
  

This integrated method transforms ordinary farmland into a fruit forest, ensuring that every square foot of soil contributes to both productivity and sustainability.

 

The Power of Crop Integration

Diversity is at the heart of the 36x36 model. Instead of relying on a single cash crop, this system combines short-term vegetables, medium-term fruits, and long-term trees to balance yield cycles and income.

Crop Type	Examples	Time to Yield	Purpose
Short-Term	Beans, Corn, Vegetables	2–4 months	Quick income and soil cover
Medium-Term	Banana, Pomegranate	1–2 years	Steady revenue
Long-Term	Mango, Sapota, Coconut	3–5 years	Sustainable future income

This diversity not only protects farmers from financial risk but also ensures continuous harvest and cash flow.

 

Soil Health through Live Mulching

A core principle of this model is live mulching, where creepers and vegetables cover the soil naturally. This method prevents erosion, retains moisture, and replenishes nutrients without using external inputs.

For instance, planting pumpkin creepers or ground vegetables between fruit trees keeps the soil active and alive. The decaying roots enrich the earth, while the canopy shields it from direct sunlight a perfect example of nature’s balance.

Farmers also use corn not just for human consumption but as livestock feed, closing the loop of self-sufficiency within their farms.

 

Early Returns: The Economic Edge

One of the biggest challenges in farming is the waiting period before profits start rolling in. Subhash Palekar’s ZBNF 36x36 model changes that. By strategically mixing short-term and long-term crops, farmers start earning from the first year itself.

Bananas and drumsticks provide early income while mango and pomegranate trees mature. Within three years, the farm becomes self-sustaining and profitable without loans or chemical dependencies.

As one farmer practising the model shared, “My land is greener, my soil richer, and my debt is gone. All I gave up was chemicals.”

 

Nutritional Value of Fruits and Vegetables Grown Naturally

The fruits and vegetables produced under this model are not just profitable they’re nutrient-dense and chemical-free.

Nutrient	Found In	Benefits
Vitamin A	Mango, Drumstick Leaves	Improves vision and immunity
Potassium	Banana	Supports heart and muscle health
Iron	Pomegranate, Spinach	Prevents anemia and boosts energy
Antioxidants	Vegetables, Mango	Fights inflammation and aging

Natural farming enhances the nutrient profile of produce, making it healthier for consumers and better for the planet.

 

The Fruit Forest: A Self-Sustaining Ecosystem

Imagine a farm where fruit trees, vegetables, and creepers coexist, feeding the soil, humans, and animals alike. That’s what the 36x36 model achieves. It turns farmland into a fruit forest where every layer of vegetation serves a purpose: upper trees provide shade, mid-level fruits produce income, and ground crops maintain soil vitality.

This interconnected system mirrors natural ecosystems, ensuring minimal waste and maximum productivity.

 

Why the 36x36 Model Matters for the Future

The success of Subhash Palekar’s Natural Farming model lies in its simplicity and replicability. Farmers in Mandya and beyond are embracing it because it requires zero chemical investment, promotes sustainable yield, and restores the environment.

By promoting biodiversity, farmers are not just cultivating crops; they’re cultivating resilience.

As Palekar often reminds his students, “The farmer’s true wealth is not in the market but in the soil that gives without asking.”

 

FAQs

1. What is the 36x36 model in natural farming?
   It’s a method of planting multiple fruits and vegetables within a 36x36-foot area to create biodiversity, improve soil health, and ensure sustainable yields.
2. How does the 36x36 model help farmers financially?
   Farmers earn early returns from short-term crops while long-term fruit trees mature, reducing financial stress and dependence on loans.
3. What makes this model sustainable?
   It eliminates chemical inputs, improves soil fertility through natural mulching, and promotes self-sufficiency.
4. Can small-scale farmers adopt the 36x36 model?
   Yes, the model can be scaled to smaller plots, making it accessible to all types of farmers.
5. What are the main crops in this model?
   Common crops include mango, banana, drumstick, pomegranate, corn, and vegetables like beans and pumpkin.