Ep 66 Green Talks – Featuring Smita Mathur, Owner SV Farms

Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive. — Marty Rubin

Whether you’re in the heart of a city or on a small farm, growing your own vegetables is one of the most satisfying and rewarding habits you can adopt. Here’s why:

1. Healthier, Fresher Food

Homegrown vegetables are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. You know exactly what’s gone into the soil and how the plants were nurtured. Plus, freshly picked veggies retain more nutrients and taste better than store-bought produce.

2. Reduces Carbon Footprint

When you grow your own food, you’re cutting down on the emissions that come from transporting vegetables from farms to markets. No packaging, no fuel, no waste. Just food that goes straight from soil to plate.

3. Saves Money in the Long Run

While there might be a small initial investment in seeds, compost, or tools, your vegetable garden will start paying for itself quickly. Seasonal produce like tomatoes, spinach, beans, and herbs can easily thrive and give you a consistent supply.

4. Promotes Self-Reliance

In uncertain times, being able to grow your own food is empowering. It reduces dependency on external supply chains and gives you a sense of security and control over what you eat.

5. Good for Mental Health

Gardening is a natural stress-buster. Getting your hands in the soil, being outdoors, and watching things grow can have a calming, therapeutic effect. It connects you with nature in a deeply satisfying way.

6. Supports Biodiversity

A home garden attracts bees, butterflies, and birds — all essential for a healthy ecosystem. By growing your own veggies organically, you’re creating a mini-habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects.

7. Great for Kids and Families

Gardening is a wonderful way to teach children where food comes from. It gets them excited about eating fresh vegetables and instills respect for nature and patience — lessons that stick for life.

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Growing your own vegetables isn’t just about food — it’s about building a more mindful, sustainable way of living. Whether you’re tending a few pots on your balcony or a full-fledged garden, every step you take matters.

The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature.
To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. – Alfred Austin 

A Conversation with Smita Mathur — Urban Living Meets Rural Transformation

In this episode, I’m thrilled to interact with Smita Mathur, whose journey from birdwatching weekends to nurturing a self-sustaining farm near Pune is nothing short of inspiring.

A few years ago, Smita and her husband bought a small piece of land near a grassland, a spot they often visited for birdwatching. Drawn by the natural beauty and the promise of a canal nearby, they made the leap — despite having no background in farming. However, after the purchase, they discovered the land was far from fertile — it was barren, stony, and dry. The “canal” was more myth than reality.

But giving up was never an option.

Coming from an army background and a deep love for gardening, Smita saw the challenge as an opportunity. While neighbors warned them of the difficulty, they decided to go ahead — bringing in composting methods, water harvesting, solar energy solutions, and their passion for sustainability. Over the past three years, their hard work has paid off.

What was once a dry, lifeless plot is now a green haven. Their land is alive with birds, stingless bees that help with pollination, dogs, and even small animals who have started finding shelter among the growing trees and shrubs. Birdwatching is no longer just a weekend hobby — it’s a daily delight from their doorstep.

There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments. – Janet Kilburn Phillips

The ripple effect has been even more meaningful. Inspired by Smita’s efforts, neighboring landowners have started planting trees and greening their own patches, slowly turning the entire area into a thriving ecosystem.

Located about 80 km from Pune, towards Baramati, their farm is a living example of what dedication, love for nature, and a bit of stubbornness can achieve — even without prior farming experience.

If you’re in Pune and feel like escaping the city for a day filled with birdsong, buzzing bees, and soul-soothing green, Smita welcomes you to visit.

“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”
– Masanobu Fukuoka

Stay tuned for this heartfelt episode of Urban Living, where we talk about:

• Turning barren land into a green sanctuary
• Living with bees, birds, and dogs
• Composting and water harvesting
• Using solar energy to reduce carbon footprint
• And building a lifestyle in harmony with nature

You won’t want to miss it.

Tune in and join #TheTatwaGirl and listen to Smita’s journey on your favorite platform.

“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals & happiness.”
– Thomas Jefferson

Thank you for joining Eco-Friendly With Prachi. 🌿Read on various panchtatwa topics by #TheTatwaGirl.

Agni—The Fire Tatwa – I write about food under this element. Inspired by its energy and life force, I share special recipes and culinary creations.
Vayu – The Air Tatwa – In this element, I write about things around us, the cultures and festivals being celebrated. Traditions followed and mythology and beliefs of a particular place.
Aakash – The Sky Tatwa – Here, I write about my travel experiences. Here, I describe the infinite skies and towering mountain peaks I encounter during my journeys.
Jal – The Water Tatwa – Here, I express my inner emotions, just like the flowing and ever-moving water. This is a reflection of the continuous flow of my thoughts.
Prithvi – The Earth Tatwa – In the Earth element, I focus on environmental issues and eco-friendly lifestyle solutions. This includes ways to live in harmony with our planet. In today’s world, sustainable development has become a necessity. Don’t miss the Green Tatwa Talks podcast, and explore eco-friendly, sustainable living practices from awesome Green warriors I have interviewed, who work towards protecting the environment and bringing about positive change.

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