Tag: organic farming

  • The Rise of Organic Food Brands in India

    An agricultural system that avoids the use and application of man-made fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives produces organic food. The label on the food packet that reads ‘organic food’ is a reassurance to consumers that toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) aren’t utilized in meal production, and the cattle have now no longer been fed antibiotics. In addition to this, organic food is also an assurance that strict cultivation standards have been adhered to concerning the impact on soil, water, and air. Organic food cultivation is a great support for environmental protection.

    India introduced the organic farming policy in 2005. Since then, organic foods’ public profile has been continuously rising as more and more consumers see the connection between diet, health, and the environment.

    What Drives the Indian Organic Food Market
    Market Overview
    Best Organic Brands, Foods, and Distribution Channels
    Challenges Faced by the Indian Organic Food Market
    Conclusion

    What Drives the Indian Organic Food Market

    The Indian government’s strong support for organic farming is acting as a catalyst for the rise in demand for organic food. The government is providing financial support to farmers who are adopting organic farming, under various government schemes like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), etc.

    The major factor driving the growth of organic food in India is the increasing awareness about health in the country. The rising demand for organic food is due to the attention that Indian consumers are now giving to the nutrient content and the quality of the food they consume. Moreover, the increasing consumer expenditure on health and wellness products is also driven by strong economic growth, urbanization, and rising income levels.

    Organic Brands Bloom in the Indian Food Market

    Market Overview

    While still in its nascent stages, the Indian organic food industry has a promising future. It has received a major boost post the covid-19 pandemic. Currently, India ranks first in Asia and fifth in the world with 23 lakh hectares of land under organic farming as per the Organics International Report of 2021 by IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements).

    Indian Organic Food Industry: Insights, Growth & Statistics
    Are you interested in Organic Foods? Well, the demand for organic food is increasing, which is a healthier and better option for both the environment and humans.

    The Indian Organic Food Market has steadily grown from USD 200 million in 2018 to USD 820 million in 2020. The omnichannel presence of organic food stores has also registered huge growth due to consumers moving to digital grocery shopping. While the pre-covid revenue split of the organic food brands was 5% online and 95% in-store, this number went up to 20% online and 80% in-store during the peak of the pandemic.

    In the future, the organic food market in India is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 25.25% between the years 2022 and 2027.

    💡
    Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state.

    Best Organic Brands, Foods, and Distribution Channels

    The idea behind the consumption of organic food is to go back to survival basics which prompted sustenance on natural food. Organic Food brands in India have grown over the years and registered the highest growth in the pandemic and post-pandemic era. The best domestic organic food brands that have withstood the time and quality test are –

    1. Organic Tattva – Brand owned by Mehrotra Consumer Products Pvt. Ltd.
    2. 24 Mantra – Brand owned by Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt. Ltd.
    3. Praakritik – Brand owned by Praakritik Natural and Organics LLP
    4. Organic India – Brand owned by Organic India
    5. Pure and Sure – Brand owned by Phalada Agro Research Foundations Pvt. Ltd.
    6. Nutriorg – Brand owned by Rattan Organic Foods Pvt. Ltd.
    7. Nourish Organics – Brand owned by Nourish Organics
    8. Adya Organics – Brand owned by Adya Organics
    9. Avadata Organics – Brand owned by Avadata Organics Pvt. Ltd.
    10. Pro Nature – Brand owned by Pro Nature Organic Foods Pvt. Ltd.

    Through these brands, various types of organic food items are now freely available in the market through Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, Online stores, and other channels.  The organic food item list consists of –

    1. Organic Beverages
    2. Organic Cereal and Food Grains
    3. Organic Meat, Poultry and Dairy
    4. Organic Spices and Pulses
    5. Organic Processed Food
    6. Organic Fruits and Vegetables

    Challenges Faced by the Indian Organic Food Market

    As growth-oriented the organic food market is within the country, it faces real challenges in terms of scalability, growth, and market share.

    Limited Awareness

    The current level of prejudice in Indian society has made organic food a status sign and luxury rather than a basic staple. The word-of-mouth publicity has increased awareness about the word ‘organic’ but not as a sustainable solution.

    Choice of a Lower-Priced Product

    The Indian consumer is price sensitive. This is also because of the huge variance in disposable income capability. This means that the automatic choice of product is led by price than quality, resulting in a large fraction opting out of the organic food market products.

    Non-Friendly Retail Market

    Retailers, understandably, prefer to fill shelves with fast-moving products. The lesser-known organic brands do not get premium shelf spaces or even a large amount of shelf space. This creates a gap between the buyer and the seller of organic foods.

    Traditional Farming Habits

    The results of chemical fertilizer-driven farming are quick and lucrative. Farmers are wary of the results of the organic way of farming. This is, however, slowly changing as the Indian government is taking steps to support farmers who are shifting to organic farming.

    Demand and Supply Gaps

    The supply of organic foods, currently, is not in tandem with the demand. Many times, the gap is quite visible with more supply than demand, or more demand than supply. This gap needs to be covered and balanced so as to even out the demand-supply scenario.

    Conclusion

    The Indian Organic Food Market has a long way to go. Currently, it is highly fragmented with the presence of several small and large players competing for price and quality. However, the past few years have seen organic brands gaining the spotlight and popularity. In the coming years, India is set to not only register growth in Organic Food brands but also innovatively deal with the challenges posing in front of this industry.

    FAQs

    Which organic food brand is best in India?

    The top organic food brands in India are –

    • Organic Tattva
    • Prakritik
    • Nutriorg
    • Organic India
    • Nourish Organics
    • Adya Organics
    • Avadata Organics
    • Pro Nature
    • 24 Mantra
    • Pure and Sure

    Pesticides and chemicals in Indian agriculture contaminate water and soil. To address this, companies are emphasizing organic farming, which promotes food security, improves farmers’ livelihoods, and eliminates harmful chemicals.

    Is organic farming the future of India?

    Organic farming has seen a drastic overall development in almost every crop type due to an increase in awareness of food security and environmental safety. Health-conscious consumers today will support the growth of the organic agricultural sector in many ways.

    What are the challenges faced by the Indian Organic Food market?

    A few challenges faced by the Indian Organic Food market are –

    • Limited Awareness
    • Demand and Supply Gaps
    • Non-Friendly Retail Market
    • Choice of Lower-Priced Product
    • Traditional Farming Habits
  • Everything You Need to Know About Microgreen Business in India

    Covid-19 came and changed everything, from our schedule to our eating habits. As the concern of health and priority is growing due to the pandemic, Indians are now becoming more health-conscious than ever. According to industry experts, there is a possibility of at least a 20-25 per cent increase in the compounded growth of organic food in India for the year 2022-22. One of the most important learning people gained was the need to build strong immunity as a possible shield against some deadly viruses.

    Organic food being full of antioxidants and nutrients provide one of the best ways to boost immunity. Hence, instead of risking their health further, people will prefer to buy and even pay an extra premium for organic food. Looking at the scenario it can be said that, this is the right time to invest in a Microgreen Business in India. In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about the Microgreen business in India and how can one start one. So, let’s get started.

    What Is a Microgreen Business?
    How to Start a Microgreen Business in India?
    Tips to Start Your Own Microgreen Business in India
    Benefits of a Microgreen Business in India
    Is Microgreen Business Profitable in India?
    Microgreen Business Requirements in India
    What Are the Best Plants to Grow as Microgreens?

    What Is a Microgreen Business?

    Microgreens are the first leaves that grow from the seeds of herbs, vegetables, or flowers. They are harvested within 14 days of seed germination. Microgreens are found to be 40 times more nutritious than mature vegetables. They are said to be profitable crops and can be grown in a little space. Once they are grown you can start your microgreen business. Microgreen businesses are quite profitable and you could make good money from them.

    How to Start a Microgreen Business in India?

    Before starting the business remember to do market research on your prospective clients. To grow microgreens, vertical farming is employed. The vertical farm grows plants and produces them by stacking the plants. This is accomplished by using growing shelves suspended on a wall which uses much less space than growing the plants on the ground.

    To start a small microgreen business you require a one-time investment in metal shelves, lights, and flat trays. Microgreen business does not require a huge space, you can grow your farm in a space as small as 6sqft. You can even grow microgreens in a small apartment.

    Microgreens require a perfect environment to grow, they need at least 16 hours of light and the temperature should be maintained at 15-26 degrees Celsius. Watering should be done twice once in the morning and in the evening. One thing you should keep in mind is microgreens should be supplied immediately once they are ready.

    Tips to Start Your Own Microgreen Business in India

    Study your Market Extensively

    Every market is different from another, so before starting your microgreen business take some time and study your market extensively, and do some market research when growing microgreens for profit. Do study your local markets.

    Try Different Marketing Strategies

    The most important step of marketing is understanding customer sentiments. Word of mouth sales is an old-school trick but it’s always effective. News always reaches fast, when it travels through the mouth. The news can be both positive and negative because in both ways people will take an interest. Hence, use this old marketing strategy to promote your startup.

    Evaluate Health Risk

    The health risk is an important aspect to consider while setting up any food business. The disease can spread rapidly if the food product is not handled correctly. Handle and grow microgreens properly to minimize health risks entirely.

    Consider Packaging

    If you are selling microgreens to a retailer, there is a possibility that if an employee mishandles your products your reputation might be at risk. This is one of many reasons that packaging is important.

    Benefits of a Microgreen Business in India

    Starting your own microgreen business can be profitable as it has several benefits right from the start.  Some of those benefits are:

    • Microgreens can be grown in a small space.
    • A small amount of investment is required.
    • The crop cycle is short.
    • You can grow them all year long indoors.

    Is Microgreen Business Profitable in India?

    In a country like India, microgreen businesses are quite profitable. The main advantage of a microgreen business is that it can be grown almost anywhere. It is both profitable and practical to start and manage a microgreen market in India. Many businesses and startups are investing in microgreen business, as it is profitable and requires less space. Those who want to go into this industry can select it as their business, and anyone who can start it without any problem.

    Microgreen Plants
    Microgreen Plants

    Microgreen Business Requirements in India

    When you decide to start a Microgreen business, you need to invest in a few things, some of them are one time investments and the others are regular ones.

    One time Investments

    • Metal shelf
    • Lights
    • Flat trays
    • Small space to grow your microgreens

    Recurring Cost

    • Containers
    • Seeds
    • Growing medium
    • Water
    • Electricity

    What Are the Best Plants to Grow as Microgreens?

    Some of the best plants to grow as microgreens are:

    • Pansies
    • Tomatoes
    • Basil
    • Mint
    • Sunflowers
    • Radishes
    • Potatoes
    • Spinach
    Global Microgreen Market Share
    Global Microgreen Market Share

    Conclusion

    Every market is a little different so Starting and growing a microgreen business could take some time and effort, but being consistent is the key. Research your market extensively and market your product effectively to grow your business. Looking at the scenario it can be said that, This is the right time to invest in a Microgreens Business in India.

    FAQs

    How much Investment is required to start a microgreen business in India?

    Investment required to start your own microgreen business can be up to as low as INR 15,000 which can go up to INR 5 Lakhs.

    What is the minimum space required to grow microgreens?

    You can grow your farm in a space as small as 6sqft. You can also grow microgreens in a small apartment.

    Is it profitable to sell microgreens?

    Yes, It is both profitable and practical to start and manage a microgreens market in India.

    What kind of soil do microgreens require?

    Any organic potting soil will work best for growing your microgreens.

  • Organic Farming in India: Tips & Tricks

    Starting with something new has always been a fascinating idea. Especially when you are about to start something exclusively for you and your family then it comes with a layer of responsibility since you have to think widely about the positive outcome that they will be expecting from your venture.

    Now, if you are looking to giving organic farming in India a kick start, then there are few things you might need to keep in the mind and at times make your family understand your ideas and convince them so you could accommodate their trust and support as a whole. But before you try and enlighten others, make sure you have enough knowledge with you so you don’t sound confused while answering their doubts.

    What is Organic Farming?
    Basics of Organic Farming
    Volume of your Venture
    Selecting Site for Farming
    Understanding the Soil
    Things to Consider
    Taking Care of Crops
    Understanding the Market
    FAQ’s
    Conclusion

    What is Organic Farming?

    Organic farming in India is a wide-spread strategy for yielding food crops and livestock that includes significantly more than picking the idea of not utilizing fertilizers, pesticides, genetically altered organisms, antibiotics, and growth hormones.

    organic farming in india_startuptalky
    Organic Farming in India

    Organic farming in India is a comprehensive framework intended to enhance the profitability and wellness of various networks inside the agro-environment, including soil organisms, plants, animals, and individuals. The chief objective of organic farming in India is to create ventures that are reasonable and sustainable for the environment.

    Organic farming in India is an agrarian strategy that involves utilizing organic information sources and essentially diminishing the measure of synthetic substances. This method of farming also includes no usage of growth hormones in any way that it brings about decreased contamination and soil corruption.

    In this way, the food we consume post-production becomes healthier and we get the absolute fresh and natural things to eat. Not to mention if you are diet conscious or a fitness freak then you must be an admirer of the all-natural way of producing food and consuming them.

    Basics of Organic Farming

    People often perceive things in a different way. What one person involved in organic farming in India believes is correct, trusts in, and practices probably won’t suit the prerequisites and objectives of another person who is also into organic farming in India. As a rule, quickly executing the informal advice can be counterproductive. Therefore, learning the basics of natural and organic farming in India is the initial phase. This certainly gives traces of what one may expect and where one ought to be beginning from. It is useful to infuse resources into pre-hand research.

    Organic farming is growing_startuptalky
    Organic farming is growing

    Additionally, it is also crucial to be attached to discussions with individuals who are presently doing the business. Partake in organic farming in India training projects and farmer-meet-up conferences. The experience of another farmer who already had gone through a similar phase can be extremely useful in making the exploratory process more polished.

    The internet too has an enormous function as there is a huge playlist of instructional exercises, recordings, and online discussions about Organic farming in India. You might also get several books talking about organic farming in India as well. You can stay updated with the latest news related to the most recent patterns in organic farming in India, its advantages, and furthermore its significance with the assistance of OFAI (Organic Farming Association of India) — One of the biggest network of organic farmers in India.

    Also, there is NPOF – the National Project on Organic Farming is, indeed, an extraordinary stage for all the organic farmers in Hyderabad to associate with a differing set of similar people container India.

    Volume of your Venture

    If you are undertaking organic farming for your weekend schedule, you could start in your backyard or terrace. Many of the working experts across the country have begun seeking organic farming in India as of their minor perspective with controlled agricultural techniques that are less labor-oriented.

    However, in case you live in a gated community where this idea is shared among many like-minded individuals, a plot inside your locale can be distributed to make smaller than normal organic farms at a more prominent frequency. If you want to change your passion into a profession then you might need more prominent arrangements and a large-scale investment as well.

    Selecting Site for Farming

    The location of your venture plays an imperative part in any venture to be successful. The area of your organic farming in India typically decides how the endeavor will turn out. The organic farming site ought to be close to a clean water source: water is the most important asset for crop development and health.

    In case, your water source is far away, it is significantly harder to deal with the irrigation measures. As an initiation, this might seem to be a monotonous thought to make but on the other hand, is essential for effective working on your farm.

    The closeness of the organic farming area to the commercial center adds a major function in the manageability of the farm. The farm’s closeness to the market includes easy communication for selling. Likewise, this helps spare costs while shipping materials to the farm.

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    Understanding the Soil

    Soil is considered to be the foundation base of your farm. Starting from its appearance, well-being, and equalization everything is responsible for the production result. Therefore, it essentially becomes important to get when and how to develop your soil and make the most ideal condition for your harvests to endure and flourish.

    Soil is essential_startuptalky
    Soil is essential- Organic farming in India

    Things to Consider

    Here are some things you need to consider before starting your farm.

    1. Cultivation Time

    Not everything will grow every time you put them under the soil and expect them to yield. So need to have a track of time and know which time is suitable for what step you will take.

    Spring (February to April) – Best suitable for preparing the soil for new plantation.

    Fall (October to November) – Suitable for the purpose of covering and layering the organic matter from your farm on the top-soil.

    2. Analyse Your Soil

    Clay or dense soil – Retains a lot of water and is preferable season is the fall, for utilizing the moisture-rich soil effectively.

    Loose or sandy soil – Lower in water retention and is advisable to cultivate during the spring to add the suitable moisture-retention and to create a good ecosystem for your farm.

    3. Types Of Crops

    Deep-rooted crops – Drought resistance as the roots are capable of drawing a high amount of water from within. For instance, tomatoes, pulses, melons, and coarse cereals fall under this.

    Shallow Rooted Crops – Higher dependency of water supply and requires continuous hydration. Monsoon is the best season for these crops. For instance, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, and mustard are the perfect ones.

    4. Organic Manure

    Green Manure – Green fertilizer helps in fostering a superior soil structure and the richness of the soil. They provide organic matter, an extra measure of Nitrogen, particularly if you are going for vegetable cultivation.

    Compost – New deposits from the farm and household residues can be accumulated, saturated, and turn to get aerated at times and deteriorate steadily by reducing the Carbon: Nitrogen proportion.

    Usage of fertilizers_startuptalky
    Usage of fertilizers

    The residues that you can use are the following.

    • Crop straws
    • Crop residues
    • Leaves
    • Bagasse
    • Groundnut husk
    • Paddy husk
    • Sugarcane trash
    • Cattle dung and urine
    • Kitchen and vegetable wastes
    • Household garbage (biodegradable)

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    Taking Care of Crops

    The way toward growing a crop is very time-consuming. Organic farming in India requires some serious devotion and more consideration contrasted with regular cultivating. There are sure procedures that should be considered relying upon the plant and farm condition.

    Understanding the Market

    Marketing for any startup is a pivotal process to grow. Even in farming, it is imperative to know what sort of market you will need. to provide a good increase. Some horticultural items may not make a good sell in a specific sort of market. This thought is useful in making your venture sustainable.

    growth in organic food sale_startuptalky
    The growth of organic food sale

    While the consequences of organic farming may appear to be alluring, the way toward setting up and keeping up the farm is an extremely hard one. It takes difficult work, tolerance, perseverance, and a high level of confidence. If you need assistance, refer to InAcres — a team of devoted individuals with a goal to promote and produce integrated organic farming in India and there is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) — another team that fosters the pursuit of involving eco-friendly ecosystems all around the country.

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    FAQ’s

    Why organic farming is bad?

    There is a huge downside because of the extra land that is being used to grow organic crops,” said Stefan Wirsenius, an associate professor at Chalmers. “If we use more land for food, we have less land for carbon sequestration. The total greenhouse gas impact from organic farming is higher than conventional farming.”

    What is organic farming and its benefits?

    Compared with conventional agriculture, organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes back into the farm. These benefits are counterbalanced by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields.

    Is Organic Farming Profitable in India?

    According to International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD), India has more than 15,000 certified organic farms. Organic farms are generally more profitable and environmentally friendly, as it uses fewer chemicals and the residue is comparatively less chemical-intensive.

    How can I start organic farming in India?

    Things You Need to Know When Starting an Organic Farm

    • Learn the basics of organic farming.
    • The site is key.
    • Match the land with what it is best for.
    • Know your market.
    • Prepare the soil and make good compost.
    • Take care of what you plant.
    • Seek a mentor and network with people.
    • Seek a mentor and network with people.

    Why Organic farming is expensive?

    Organic foods are difficult to grow as they need high involvement and more time to grow. Moreover, lower yields of such crops and poor supply (still developing) chain further increases the production cost.

    What are disadvantages of organic farming?

    Disadvantages of organic farming

    • Organic food is more expensive because farmers do not get as much out of their land as conventional farmers do.
    • Production costs are higher because farmers need more workers.
    • Marketing and distribution are not efficient because organic food is produced in smaller amounts.

    Is organic farming difficult?

    Some areas are natively organic, but others that are large producers of pulses etc., have been farming with chemicals. Converting these into organic has many challenges, however, from a broader perspective, these challenges can be met with proper counter-measures and government policies.

    Conclusion

    Farming these days is done by putting people’s lives at risk with harmful pesticides and fertilizers. The main problem is the population growth in India. As the population increases, the demand and supply for foods are also increased. To cater to the needs, food production is done by using chemical fertilizers, toxic pesticides, and hybrids. Due to the excess use of chemicals, human health and nature are being adversely affected. To solve this issue, Organic Farming is the best possible solution to protect ourselves and nature from deadly chemicals.

    Organic farming is a traditional way of farming that has been followed for ages. In India, organic farming is an agricultural method that is aimed to grow crops so as to keep the soil alive. It is done by following good practices using organic waste, waste crops, animal and farm waste, aquatic waste, and other organic materials.