On a mission to sell organic products at low rates

Joining the new breed of farmer-entrepreneur is Chennai-based Abdul Shukoor, who is trying to bridge the gap between organic farmers and customers. 

Through his initiative, YSA Farms, the former IT professional procures, packs, and delivers organic produces straight from the farmers across TN to the households. “There is a growing demand for organic products in India and it’s an encouraging sign for the organic farmers. 

Though organic food is making its way back into our kitchens, the expensive products always remain a major concern for many. That’s where I come in — I get rid of this issue by delivering affordable organic produces straight from the farmers,” says Abdul.  Presently, he delivers organic groceries like millets, lentils, rice, sugar, jaggery, cold pressed oils, etc. 

Around two years ago, Abdul chanced upon the farmers’ market where they sell organic products — he got interested in the concept that benefited both organic lovers and farmers. 

“The farmers’ market was done on a small scale, but I wanted to do something in a bigger way without depending on any organic stores in the city. I started selling the products in public spaces. Initially, I received a lukewarm response from the public. Once I started interacting with them, I realised that the main reason for people to abstain from buying organic products was the cost. 

The stores that sell organic products add around 25-30 per cent margin on the actual cost. If I do the same, then there is no difference between my venture and the stores — it defeats the purpose. I don’t bother about huge profits, my mission is to provide products at affordable rates to people,” he shares. Abdul is associated with an association of organic farmers in Erode called Uyir. 

“Uyir is a small community of farmers known for producing genuine organic products. I am also in touch with farmers association from various other districts as well.” All said and done, the entrepreneur states that it’s a challenging task to encourage people to switch to organic products. 

“We are used to a particular lifestyle and our eating habits have also changed. But I am optimistic about my venture and will continue with my mission.” As a next step, Abdul is setting up an organic spinach farm on the outskirts of the city. Why spinach, we ask him? “It has a lot of nutritional values and unfortunately, there aren’t many farmers who cultivate it on a bigger scale.”