Govardhan Ecovillage Launches ‘Native Food Matters,’ An Initiative to Revive Unique Food Systems of Bharat
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
Palghar, Maharashtra, September 2025 — Honourable Shri Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, today graced the official launch of Native Food Matters at Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV). Nestled in the Sahyadri Hills, GEV has long been a model of ecological living, with solar-powered infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, biogas plants, and a rare seed bank. Now, it is taking its sustainability mission further with this bold initiative dedicated to reviving India’s traditional food systems and building what it calls a Conscious Food System (CFS), one that nourishes both people and the planet.
The global food system is in crisis. According to the World Wildlife Fund, food production contributes over 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, consumes 70% of freshwater, and generates nearly $15 trillion annually in health and environmental damage. Industrial agriculture and globalisation have eroded local food traditions, leaving behind fragile ecosystems, rising malnutrition, and cultural loss.
In response, GEV, alongside knowledge partners Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts and Nutritional Sciences is blending policy, tradition, and grassroots action to reimagine the way India eats. “Food is not just about nutrition, it is about identity, ecology, equity, and consciousness. Native Food Matters is GEV’s way of bringing that holistic vision into public life,” said Gauranga Das, Director, GEV.
The flagship projects of Native Food Matters — Meri Maati Meri Thali (M3T), meaning “my soil, my plate,” and Poshan Sakha/Sakhi, meaning “friends of nutrition” — reconnect communities with local, seasonal, and traditional foods. Piloted in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, these campaigns showcase native crops and recipes through awareness programmes and nutrition fêtes involving children and women from local communities. Visitors to GEV from across India and abroad can also experience the region’s heritage cuisine through the Madan Mohan Thali at Govinda’s Restaurant, a curated menu that highlights the health and ecological benefits of traditional Indian food.
Beyond grassroots engagement, Native Food Matters is shaping food system policy through stakeholder consultations, evidence-based policy development, and thought leadership via toolkits, dietary guidelines, and community education materials.
Although the initiative has been active for over a year, GEV formally launched Native Food Matters on 23 September 2025 at Govardhan Ecovillage, with Honourable Shri Bhupender Yadav leading the inauguration.
In the coming years, Native Food Matters aims to scale research, advocacy, and implementation nationwide, making “conscious food” an aspirational lifestyle across India and globally.
Govardhan Ecovillage, an award-winning initiative of ISKCON, is a model farm community and spiritual retreat nestled in the Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra. Established in 2003, GEV demonstrates the principles of ecological living through sustainable farming, renewable energy, natural building, and water conservation. Recognized by the United Nations and several international bodies, GEV has become a global case study in harmonizing tradition, spirituality, and modern sustainability practices.