A group of ambitious farmers came together in 2001 to start Manarcadu Social Service Society (MASS) with the objective of helping the farming community adapt to sustainable agriculture practices and thereby create a better livelihood and better earth.

Of the 837 small and marginal farmers, 144 are women and tribal farmers from Kottayam and Idukki Districts in the state of Kerala. Women farmers also hold leadership roles at the co-op. Farms are located at high altitudes in the high ranges of Kerala where there are hardly any proper roads or communication facilities. MASS practices the reduction and recycling of bio-waste. Farmers use biogas plants and vermicompost in their field, converting bio-energy for their household needs.

**All images from Creative Commons.
Specific Authors Herbs & Spices images: Elroy Serrao, Michael Wifall.