Environmental Care & Agroecology

Our Philosophy

At Dohnavur, our philosophy is rooted in simple living and responsible stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us. Inspired by the legacy of Amy Carmichael,Godfrey Webb peploe and guided by principles that honour the inter-dependence of all life, we seek to live in harmony with the land we inhabit. Our community strives to minimise waste, care for the environment, and practice agriculture in ways that restore the soil, protect biodiversity, and strengthen the wellbeing of everyone who calls Dohnavur home.

Located in the unique Mullai landscape of the Tirunelveli region, we follow sustainable farming methods suited to our local climate and terrain. For nearly a century we have recorded weather patterns, protected native groves, conserved groundwater, and cultivated a variety of crops—paddy, millets, vegetables, fruits, fodder, and agro-forestry species. Our Dairy Farm and agricultural programmes work together as a regenerative circular economy, ensuring that our soil remains healthy, our animals are cared for humanely, and our practices remain aligned with natural rhythms, especially the monsoon on which our region depends.

Our goal is simple and practical: to provide nutritious, locally grown food for the people living on our campus, especially children, while protecting the land for future generations. By integrating thoughtful agricultural practices, careful water management, renewable energy, and habitat conservation, Dohnavur continues its long tradition of offering a life of dignity, sustainability, and shared responsibility. These efforts reflect our commitment to caring for people and the earth with gratitude, wisdom, and hope.