Regenerative agriculture as a way for farms to adapt to climate change

Founded in 2018, the company Beforest is developing a project that combines the principles of agriculture, ecology, and climate adaptation. To date, six collective farms have been established with a total area of approximately 1300 acres, uniting 196 participants. The sites are located in Kodagu, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bhopal. The essence of the model lies in the joint ownership and management of the landscape, with a minimum plot size of 100 acres. This is necessary for the functioning of integrated ecosystems, including water bodies, forest gardens, and wildlife corridors. Territory development is limited to 15 percent, which allows for the preservation of the natural environment.

Founder and CEO of Beforest Lifestyle Solutions, Sunit Reddy, notes that regenerative farms demonstrate greater resilience to droughts and temperature fluctuations compared to traditional farms. Unlike monoculture farms that depend on the yield of a single crop, Beforest collectives practice agroforestry with a wide variety of species: from fruit trees to spices and forage crops. Different harvesting times and vulnerability levels of crops allow for the reduction of economic risks.

An important element of the system is the management of water resources. Through the creation of ponds, water catchment structures, and groundwater recharge systems, the plots retain soil moisture more effectively. The use of perennial crops promotes the development of a deep root system, which improves soil structure and increases its ability to retain moisture without the need for intensive investment as the plants mature.

The design principles of each site depend on local climatic conditions and soil characteristics. At the same time, in all projects, at least half of the territory is allocated for natural zones to support biodiversity. Financing of the collectives initially relied on participant contributions, funds from angel investors, and promoter capital. After the system reaches profitability, according to Reddy, environmental restoration begins to contribute to the reduction of the farm's operating expenses.