During my first few weeks at AuroOrchard, I discovered agricultural work through a variety of activities in the Vegetable Garden and the orchards. These first days allowed me to become familiar with the daily
During my first few weeks at AuroOrchard, I discovered agricultural work through a variety of activities in the Vegetable Garden and the orchards. These first days allowed me to become familiar with the daily life of the farm while gradually adjusting to the Indian climate and a different pace of life. I mainly took part in weeding around young eggplant plants and between rows of spinach. Once the rows had been weeded, I helped spread compost over the crops. As I had only just arrived in India, it took me some time to get used to the temperatures and working conditions. At times, it was difficult to manage a full day of work, but I knew my body needed time to gradually adapt to this change. I also learned how to care for eggplant plants by removing certain leaves to encourage their growth and cutting off those that showed signs of infection.
These first tasks helped me understand that agricultural work is not just about planting and harvesting. It also requires observation, patience and regular maintenance to ensure that plants can grow in good conditions. I then joined the Orchard team, working in the jackfruit orchards and around the papaya trees. The activities there were different from those in the Vegetable Garden. I helped cut branches and clear certain areas around the trees. This variety allowed me to discover different aspects of agricultural work and better understand the specific needs of each area of the farm. I appreciate this diversity. Although some tasks, such as weeding, require time and repetition, I find it more motivating to be able to vary my activities, change my surroundings and learn new techniques. This helps me stay curious and gain a better understanding of how the farm operates as a whole.
Discovering a Different Approach to Farming
Working at AuroOrchard is also allowing me to discover agricultural practices that differ from those I am familiar with. Farming methods depend, in particular, on the climate, the environment and the choices made by each farm. At AuroOrchard, the organic approach places considerable importance on natural methods for maintaining crops and managing the problems that arise. This involves observing plants carefully, identifying signs that may indicate a problem and looking for suitable solutions without necessarily resorting to synthetic chemical products.
I find it interesting to discover this different approach to agriculture. It encourages us to understand plants and their environment better rather than systematically looking for an immediate solution. I am still at the beginning of this learning process, but the explanations provided by the team are already helping me understand some of its basic principles.
Learning by Doing and Finding Solutions
One of the aspects I particularly appreciate about this experience is the opportunity to develop practical skills. I am discovering a field I knew very little about, where I need to learn how to observe, handle new tools and find solutions to the difficulties I encounter.
I learned how the farm’s irrigation system works and took part in some repairs. This involved cutting pieces of pipe, finding the right connectors and understanding how to get the system working again. I learned by working alongside Nidin, which helped me better understand the different steps and how to carry them out. I enjoyed this very practical approach because it allows me to understand something by actually doing it. Rather than simply listening to an explanation, I get to handle equipment, test things out and work out how to solve a real problem. These experiences have shown me that it is possible to learn a great deal even when starting from scratch. You have to accept that you will not know everything straight away, take the time to understand and be willing to give things a try. As I take on different tasks, I am gradually becoming more confident and discovering that I can find my own way through certain situations.
I have also come to understand that being independent does not necessarily mean doing everything alone. It also means knowing when to ask for help, listening to other people’s advice and looking for the information you need to move forward. It is a balance between what we learn from the people around us and what we are then able to put into practice ourselves.
Beyond agricultural work, this experience is encouraging me to become more resourceful and approach unfamiliar situations with greater curiosity.
Encounters and Conversations: Another Way of Learning
Agricultural activities are not the only things that have shaped these first few weeks. Encounters and conversations also play an important role at AuroOrchard.
I have had the opportunity to talk with people whose backgrounds, ideas and ways of seeing the world are sometimes very different from my own. Everyone has their own story and their own reasons for being here. I find it enriching to discover what has led these people to live or work in this environment.
Our conversations sometimes go beyond everyday exchanges. We talk about our experiences, our choices, our relationship with work and what gives meaning to what we do. These discussions allow us to discover different perspectives and sometimes question ideas we had previously taken for granted. Some conversations lead me to reflect on the place of work in our lives, while others explore our motivations or the way we want to organise our daily lives.
I have also noticed a particular spiritual dimension in this environment. I cannot quite explain it yet, but it is part of what I am discovering here, particularly through the people I meet, the intentions they bring to their work and the conversations we share.
I do not necessarily have clear answers to all these questions, but these exchanges offer me new perspectives and encourage me to look at certain things differently. I am therefore discovering another dimension of learning: one that comes through listening, sharing experiences and meeting people who do not necessarily think the same way we do. These moments complement what I learn through hands-on work and contribute fully to the richness of this experience.
A First Month of Adapting, Learning and Discovering
These first few weeks at AuroOrchard have been a period of adjustment, both physically and in the way I approach work and my new environment.
First, I had to get used to the heat, the physical demands of agricultural activities and the farm’s daily rhythm. I was then able to explore different tasks, become familiar with the methods used and begin developing skills I had not previously acquired.
What stands out to me most is the opportunity to learn through practical experience. Whether it is caring for crops, working in the orchards or helping repair the irrigation system, each activity gives me a different experience and helps me better understand how the farm operates.
Encounters with others also play an important role in this discovery. The conversations I have with other members of the team offer me new perspectives on work, life choices and people’s individual motivations. They enrich my experience in a different way from what I can learn through everyday tasks.
I am still at the beginning of my journey here, and I am gradually discovering new things. For now, the main goal is to find my feet, develop new skills and remain open to the experiences that come my way. This first month therefore represents an initial stage: discovering a new environment, learning through hands-on experience and meeting people who bring another dimension to this experience.
Join our newsletter for exclusive updates!
AuroOrchard is certified organic by the Tamil Nadu Organic Certification (ORG/SC/1906/001683) Department accredited by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority), New Delhi, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
AuroOrchard Poultry is recognised under the Certified Humane Program, a globally recognised, independent, international auditing body dedicated to creating a more humane world for farm animals.
