Amrit Kunja Organic Permaculture Farm (AKOPF) is Situated on the hillside overlooking the picturesque Shyankodi valley, and the majestic Begnas Tal lake, Amrit Kunja is certainly not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill farm. The farm was started 30 years ago by Surya Bastola. Since our humble beginnings, the farm has now become a thriving oasis of plant and animal life.
The farm boasts an extremely rich variety of plants. Overall, there are more than 500 species of plants that have been deemed useful to humans and/or animals. These are mostly made up of vegetables, fruit trees, and medicinal plants. Everything at the farm is 100% organically grown, without the use of any harmful pesticides, fertilisers, fungicides etc. At Amrit Kunja, all the fruits and vegetables that are eaten on a daily basis come straight from our very own soil (besides the odd addition from neighbours’ farms). We also receive fresh milk daily from our two family buffaloes. On special occasions, we may catch some fish from one of our ponds. The diversity and richness of plant life here at Amrit Kunja makes our home the perfect abode for many beautiful birds, butterflies, insects and other animals (both small and large). Amrit Kunja harvests many different fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices; but our most prized crop is that of Piper Nigrum (i.e. Black Pepper).
We are the first Piper Nigrum farm in the Western Development Region of Nepal. Besides being a highly renowned and favourite spice used for cooking around the world; good quality, organic Piper Nigrum has a multitude of medicinal benefits (see section on Piper Nigrum). It is also the perfect permaculture crop, as it does not require its own area to grow. Instead, you will witness hundreds of Piper Nigrums climbing their way up the variety of trees at Amrit Kunja, in perfect harmony. Although Amrit Kunja is first and foremost a fully functioning and producing organic farm, we are also so much more than that. We like to see ourselves as a center for growth, personal development (mental, physical and spiritual), learning, sharing and experiencing a new way of life. One of the unique aspects to Amrit Kunja is that we have managed to combine traditional Nepalese farming methods and knowledge with new and experimental approaches. As such, you have the opportunity to learn from the ancient expertise that exists, as well as freely contribute with any ideas you have. We have maintained our authenticity as a family owned and run farm. We are as down-to-earth and genuine as you can get, as well as being innovative and forward-thinking. Life at Amrit Kunja is beautifully simple. There are certainly no luxurious or expensive facilities, but our family and the many other wonderful people that call this place home prefer it that way.
We warmly open our gates and hearts to all those who would like to learn about authentic organic agriculture, the identification and use of medicinal and other edible plants, Nepalese language and culture, as well as the very best Nepalese cooking on earth made with mastery and love by our dear Ama. Whether you would just like to visit, or stay some time, you are always most welcome here at Amrit Kunja Organic Permaculture Farm. Home is where the heart is. Home is right here.