Permaculture is an intersection between ecology, agriculture, and landscape design; which is influenced by natural systems that function like forests.
The word ‘Permaculture’ comes from Permanent Agriculture which involves a living system dominated by permanent or perennial elements. E.g It is recommended that there should be at least 70 % tree cover on your land. The rest can be seasonals, open areas, wetlands, etc.
The concept was proposed by Australian naturalist Bill Mollison who developed it with the aim of transforming degraded/ cultivated lands into productive spaces which will yield surplus. Permaculture is an ethical design science. There are basic principles which include care for earth, people and return of surplus to the system.
Permaculture tries to mimic natural systems so it insists on including animals in the system as an integrated part as they have functions to play like they do in natural systems. It also tries to mimic the succession which starts with the support species first and then productive elements included thereafter.
It is an integrated design science which involves various elements, components, systems which interact with each other in such a way that it will be beneficial to the system and humans. Every element performs multiple functions and each function in the system is performed by multiple elements. It is your skill to place, connect ,relate these elements to evolve a sustainable system.
Permaculture takes into account the time factor as well. Every system takes time to build, evolve, mature and to be ecologically/ economically sustainable of its own without major interventions. It also accounts for the energy utilized vs gained, biodiversity improved, soil conserved and other factors over the life of the systems. It is expected that these systems will live long and sustain with minimal interference.
The yield in permaculture does not consist of only consumable produce but the overall yield in terms of food, fodder, timber, fuel wood, green manure, soil conditioner, insect repellent, etc. All the elements in the system are considered as an integrated part of the system and not separately.
Permaculture is not just about agriculture; in a broader view it is a ‘permanent culture’ which can be applied to everything we do in life. It is an organizing principle that provides an alternative sustainable model to entire human settlement on planet earth.
● This PDC is a unique blend of online version and standard field sessions combined together for a wholesome learning experience.
● This course is divided into classroom sessions to learn basic concepts followed by a field session to carry out practicals.
● The classroom sessions will cover basics of building the system, methods of design, patterns, soil, water, climate, earthwork, plants, and design practices in different climatic conditions in Indian context like humid tropics, temperate and dry lands, aquaculture, etc.
● There will be two field trips. First at Shahapur-Mumbad for 3 days in late February; and the second one is at Nate-Ratnagiri for 4 days in early April.
● Participants must complete one model design exercise during the course.
● You will receive your Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) once your Final Design Exercise is approved.
● At the end of the course, you will have the basic knowledge and understanding of permaculture principles, design methods, and a step-by-step guide to designing a system.
● Once you receive your PDC, you can teach permaculture or practice as a consultant. You will be confident enough to take up your own sites and start building sustainable systems.
● The course starts on Saturday, 9th January 2027.
● The classroom sessions will be held every Saturday and Sunday from 3 pm to 5 pm.
● All sessions will be online on the Zoom platform and will be recorded. Links to recorded sessions will be shared if you miss any lecture so you can catch up.
● First field trip (3 days): 26th to 28th February, at Euroville Shahapur & Shakuntal Permaculture Farm, Murbad.
● Second field trip (4 days): 1st to 4th April, at Hardikar Baug, Nate, Ratnagiri.
● Attending both field sessions is compulsory to complete your PDC course.
● During the course, participants must demonstrate their understanding by submitting their Final Design Exercise (FDE)
● Once our team properly reviews and approves your model design, you will receive your PDC Certificate.)
● Course fees- Rs. 60,000/- (Including Vande Bharat travel & logistics for both field sessions.) (Fees can be paid in two installments)
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