In today’s fast-paced era of online food delivery platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit, and e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, and Big Basket, the expectation of instant availability of everything has become the norm. However, finding high-quality, 100% organic fruits and vegetables remains a distant dream.
While there are a few services that claim to deliver organic produce, my experience over the past 7-8 years and encounters with numerous so-called “organic farmers” have led me to the conclusion that obtaining truly organic fruits is an arduous task.
The Birth of OrganicBasket
Let me share a story that led to the establishment of OrganicBasket. In 2016, I embarked on a quest to find organic fruits and vegetables. Initially, I purchased from well-established stores in Gurgaon, but I was dismayed to discover from a friend that the produce I bought was not entirely organic. I switched stores, hoping for a different outcome, but unfortunately, I encountered the same problem.
Determined to find genuine organic farmers or farmer markets, I visited several farms. However, I observed a recurring pattern even among the so-called organic farmers. They claimed to be using minimal amounts of fertilizers and pesticides, yet sold their produce as 100% organic.
Over the years, it became evident that obtaining 100% organic produce, regardless of brand or cost, was extremely challenging. I have paid exorbitant prices, sometimes five times the regular amount, in pursuit of superior quality, but the improvement was marginal. It took me years of trial and error to understand this, and I realized that the average consumer does not have the luxury of time to research, identify, and source high-quality organic fruits and vegetables.
I have likely purchased vegetables from most organic retailers in Gurgaon and even ventured into Noida and Ghaziabad. However, none could consistently maintain the desired quality. I do not hold retailers or most organic farmers responsible because I have come to realize that the problem is systemic rather than individual. This realization motivated me to start OrganicBasket and address this systemic issue. In truth, OrganicBasket started as a solution to my struggle to obtain high-quality, genuinely organic produce.
Solving the Organic problem with 3A (Authenticity, Accessibility & Affordability)
To address the aforementioned issues, we initiated OrganicBasket with a clear vision. Recognizing the need for consistent delivery of high-quality organic products, we established our farms. At OrganicBasket, we cultivate and distribute premium organic produce, particularly focusing on the challenge of delivering fresh, 100% organic fruits and vegetables—a feat we consistently achieve.
While our primary goal is to offer products cultivated on our farms, there are instances when we collaborate with carefully selected partner farmers. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that these partnerships maintain the high standards set by OrganicBasket in India.
Rigorous Vetting Process for Farmers
We don’t source from just any organic farmer; our vetting process is the most stringent. To give you an idea of our selection criteria and vetting process:
- Comprehensive testing: We conduct comprehensive tests on soil, water, fruits, and vegetables to verify that the farmer adheres to organic farming practices. These tests are conducted randomly and without prior notice to prevent manipulation.
- Cooling period: Even if the farmer successfully passes our tests, we subject them to a cooling period of three months. During this time, we source a small quantity of organic produce every now and then from them without any prior intimation.
- Cluster formation: After the cooling period, the farmer is assigned to a cluster comprising other organic farmers in a specific geographic location. These farmers undergo training together to maintain consistency and quality.
- Random testing: We conduct random tests on each batch of vegetables and fruits from different farmers to ensure that no non-organic produce reaches our customers.
Supporting Conventional Farmers’ Transition
In addition to our stringent selection process, we also provide free training to conventional farmers so that they can transition to organic farming. Some of our sourcing partners come from this group.