Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa - Organic Demonstration Garden and Resource Centre

Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa: Organic Demonstration Garden and Resource Centre is a project that was initiated in Assam in 2006 by Fertile Ground: East/West Sustainability Network, an NGO based in western Canada. The project is located on two acres of land in the town of Digboi, on an abandoned plot of land that had previously housed living quarters for workers from the local oil refinery. Partners in the project include the Rotary Club of Digboi and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (Assam Oil Division). The meaning of “Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa” rightly suits it as it is really an Ideal Green Project.

In a little more than two years, two full-time gardeners and a host of volunteers – from the local neighbourhood and from Canada – transformed an unsightly site littered with garbage and building materials to a model organic garden and resource centre. The site is regularly visited by farmers, small tea growers, educators, agricultural extension staff and students, and has attracted guests from as far away as Australia, Nigeria, Germany and the U.S.

Over the years, volunteers from Canada, India and several other countries have worked along with ASP’s staff to transform an abandoned plot of land into a beautiful organic garden.

Flower and vegetable beds, a compost and formula production area, vermicompost unit, classroom and office are located at the site. Hands-on practical training, resource materials and low-cost accommodation at the new farmers’ hostel are available.

At ASP, they believe in sustainable agriculture – using locally available resources to prepare various organic formulas along with preparation of vermicompost and compost. They also sell organic vegetables, organic manures, natural pest control products and nursery seedlings. The Center mainly deals with promoting organic agriculture among the farmers and small tea growers.