St. Basil the Sikh Farmer in the Sonoran Desert
I think urban farms are possibly the greatest innovation to our ancient life-way reconnection to our land in three generations. I suppose that our conduit of CSA’s, Farmers Markets and the renaissance in small direct consumer markets paved the way for this unique food supplier.
Years ago, I thought a festival was Ozzfest or the closing scene from the Wicker Man! I mean I thought it was not a festival if it did not include hundreds of mead swilling SCA “renrats” or Lilith Fair chicks. Alas, I was wrong as today, I attended Basil Fest 2011 at Singh Farms. I know Singh is like “Smith” as a surname for all the Sikh men. These Lions from the Punjab are an amazing people who are devout and dedicated to purity of spirit.
Singh Farms is owned by farmer named Ken Singh, and his 20 acre green paradise is east of the101 freeway. A mere stone’s throw from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation. Although, Mr. Singh was raised in India and he eventually made Arizona his home. He turned this barren land into a complete oasis. In fact, it is hard to even contemplate that one is located in the Sonoran Desert when you are in the green-shaded fairy garden.
Mr. Singh’s main business is his organic compost 
production, which he converts from organic wastes from many civic and business institutions. In keeping with his Sikh faith, Mr. Singh is a genuine practitioner of reincarnation as his very business is dedicated to renewal. With w generous spirit he allows his Native American neighbors to take foods and compost from his farm as free tokens of his benevolent giving. This Indian to Indian giving is a beautiful symbol of fitting unity!
My dear friend and aspirant chef, Ms. Sasha Levine, is cooking in an al fresco hobbit kitchen, preparing sumptuous dishes for the many visitors to Singh Farm. This incredible young culinary talent makes me proud, as I worked with her at two restaurants prior.
I predict amazing things for her future culinary prospects. If Mr. Singh can create this 20-acre sustainable Eden on the roadside of a freeway in the blazing hot desert. It proves the future of urban and small-plot agriculture can be achieved anywhere. My return visit to Singh Farms will be April 13th to celebrate Baisakhi to celebrate the abundance of the harvest, and abundance of crops is guaranteed!
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