Nandagram: A Living Lab Blooming in Brazil

By editor - 28.4 2025

Nandagram is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to sustainable agriculture through its innovative living lab concept. This dynamic space serves as a hub for experiential learning and scientific research, demonstrating the harmonious integration of native vegetation and diverse plant species.  

At Nandagram, the focus is on understanding how plants naturally organize themselves within a specific environment to maximize production. By transitioning from traditional 2D farming to a 3D agroforestry model, Nandagram optimizes space and time, fostering a system where various plants thrive in a symbiotic relationship.  

Within its 20-acre expanse, Nandagram dedicates 5 to 6 acres to crop cultivation, providing students with hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices that they can replicate elsewhere. The entire project is principle-driven, with a mission to consolidate scientific knowledge into a practical format, proving that living off the land is not only possible but also a viable model for global implementation.  

Nandagram’s zero living lab has already achieved remarkable success in greening the landscape within just three years. The vision is to expand the agroforestry areas to 6 to 8 acres, ensuring the project’s self-sustainability and supporting several families through the income generated by this collective production unit.  

The living lab model is being replicated in two other locations, showcasing its scalability and potential to connect farmers and address local agricultural challenges. Nandagram aspires to be a vital resource for farmers, offering solutions and serving as a channel for broader community engagement.  

Nandagram invites everyone to visit and support the development of this crucial model for the future, emphasizing its importance in creating a sustainable world.  

Nandagram Agroforest Living Lab, Brazil – Kalakantha das