Bull-Driven Oil Ghani

At Janapada Collective, we grind our oil seeds the slow, mindful way — using bull-driven stone ghanis, just as our ancestors did for centuries. This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about choosing a method that aligns with our values of sustainability, dignity of labour, and health.

We currently produce coconut and groundnut oils through this age-old technique. Unlike industrial processes that rely heavily on machines, electricity, and large infrastructure, our method uses no external energy. The bulls walk steadily in circles, rotating the heavy stone mill, while our members carefully and skillfully feed the ingredients. It’s a gentle, rhythmic process — one that brings humans, animals, and the earth into quiet collaboration.

A single stone ghani can process about twenty kilograms of raw material at a time. It takes about two hours to process one batch of copra (dried coconut), and three hours for groundnuts. Copra contains around 50% oil content, while groundnuts yield around 40%. The process is slow, yes, but that’s the point. The minimal heat generated during grinding ensures that vital micronutrients and natural flavours remain intact, resulting in oils that are not only pure and aromatic but also deeply nourishing.

By staying with this slower process, we are also choosing people over machines. Each litre of oil supports more hands, more livelihoods, and a deeper connection between the food we eat and the lives behind it.

In a world rushing toward efficiency, we’ve chosen presence. Our bull-driven oil is not just an ingredient in your kitchen — it’s a reaffirmation that food can be ethical, equitable, ecological, and full of life.

	Bhima, just ten years old, has been a steadfast member of our team for the past year. Every day, he works with quiet strength at the oil processing unit, and sometimes lends his energy to the farm. Gentle yet powerful, he reminds us that dedication and hard work come in many forms.
	Manoj has been with us for a year. He loves animated films like Avengers, enjoys biryani, and takes pride in repairing broken electronics. For him, creating products that benefit people’s health and provide more employment opportunities is a joy, and he’s learning not just to read and write, but to speak with confidence.
	Hemant has been part of this journey for the past six months. He enjoys spinning, oil extraction and reading. He feels deeply connected to the place and the people, whom he describes as one big family living close to nature. Proud to work at Janapada, he finds joy in both the craft and the conversations it brings.
	Roshan enjoys exploring different kinds of work and learning through them. He loves drawing, playing sports, and sharing what he knows about the work happening around him. Being here has helped him build the courage to speak clearly and confidently with others.

	Sumanas coordinates the Janapada Collective and is associated with Janapada Seva Trust. He holds a PhD in International Development from the University of Sussex. With a deep interest in development and wildlife, he brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to the work.
	Sharanya says that at Janapada, every life is treated equally, and every product holds a story. Being here has deepened my respect for handmade, sustainable living, from the clothes I wear to the food I consume, connecting me to the source in ways I never imagined. It’s a reminder that choosing eco-friendly ways or supporting those who do is a small step towards living closer to nature.
	Nirmala finds joy in learning new skills and values the opportunity to work in a way that respects the environment and does not exploit anyone. This work has given her independence, the strength to manage money wisely, and the freedom to raise her child with confidence and pride.