Start_upinfo’s Post

Shije, a homemaker from Kerala, began mushroom farming in 2007 to alleviate boredom, leading to the establishment of a successful business. Alongside her husband, Thankachan, who worked in HR at a publication, they leveraged their agricultural backgrounds to explore mushroom cultivation, focusing on its nutritional benefits. After a year of experimentation, they identified oyster mushrooms as the most suitable variety for their climate and began their venture with a modest investment. In 2010, they launched Coon Fresh to market their mushrooms and value-added products, which include items like mushroom momos and chutney powder. To raise awareness about mushrooms, Thankachan utilized his connections in the media, resulting in increased public interest and orders for their products. Their brand gained traction, leading to significant growth from an initial five mushroom beds to a high-tech farm with 6,000 beds, producing 12 tons of mushrooms annually. Coon Fresh also engages in community outreach by offering training programs for aspiring farmers, having trained around 10,000 individuals to date. The brand sells its products through various channels, including supermarkets and online platforms, supported by government initiatives. Despite initial financial struggles, their revenue grew significantly as awareness increased, culminating in recognition as Progressive Mushroom Grower 2024 by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research. The couple faced challenges, including a devastating fungus attack that destroyed their crops, which tested their resolve. However, they persevered, believing that failures are essential for success. Coon Fresh aims to empower individuals, particularly women, as part of its mission while continuing to innovate within the mushroom industry. Follow us startupshivay **** #investupmedia #startupfounder #startupbusiness #startups #startupindia #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #makeinindia #madeinindia #indianstartups #business #businessman #startupculture

At the age of just 22, Harshit made the bold decision to leave his internship in London and travel to Israel to learn about avocado farming. After gaining valuable hands-on experience, he returned to India with a determination to cultivate avocados locally. In 2019, Harshit established a 5-acre farm in Bhopal, transforming previously barren land into a flourishing avocado orchard using an innovative hydroponic system. Despite facing setbacks due to bureaucratic hurdles and the pandemic, he persevered and shared his inspiring journey on social media. Harshit also authored a blog, an e-book, and launched a YouTube channel to support aspiring avocado farmers across India. Harshit's passion for avocados goes beyond mere sales, as he offers free consultancy to farmers who purchase his avocado plants, guiding them through the entire farming process to ensure their success. Under the banner of Indo-Israel Avocado, Harshit's venture is dedicated to sustainability and knowledge-sharing. The nursery utilizes advanced hydroponic systems to cultivate high-quality, disease-resistant avocado plants, ultimately helping farmers achieve superior results. Harshit's hard work has paid off, as his farm now generates an impressive annual revenue of Rs 1 crore from plant sales. Looking ahead, he plans to expand his orchard to 100 acres. Presently, his 5-acre orchard, which is now yielding fruits, has the potential to generate approximately Rs 50 lakh annually. Follow us Investupmedia **** #investupmedia #startupfounder #startupbusiness #startups #startupindia #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #makeinindia #madeinindia #indianstartups #business #businessman #startupculture

The journey of Shije and Thankachan in the mushroom farming industry began in 2007 when Shije sought a productive pastime to alleviate her boredom. Their mutual agricultural background influenced their decision to explore mushroom farming, which they pursued after extensive research focused on its nutritional value. Initially cultivating on their balcony, they transitioned to larger agricultural land by investing in infrastructure as their confidence grew. In 2010, they established their brand, Coon Fresh, which emphasizes both fresh mushrooms and value-added products such as mushroom momos and chutney. To boost visibility and awareness of mushrooms, Thankachan utilized his connections with the publication Malayala Manorama, successfully promoting the nutritional benefits of mushrooms to the community. This marketing effort significantly enhanced their market presence and facilitated partnerships with retail outlets, including LuLu International Shopping Mall. The couple's business evolved from an initial modest setup with five mushroom beds to a sophisticated facility featuring 6,000 beds and an annual production of 12 tons of mushrooms. Their innovative approach also includes training programs designed for aspiring farmers and students, underscoring their commitment to community empowerment. Despite experiencing a significant setback due to a fungal attack that jeopardized their crops, the couple resolved to persevere, believing in the valuable lessons that can stem from failure. Their efforts have earned them recognition as Progressive Mushroom Growers by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Directorate of Mushroom Research. Their future initiatives include launching Coon Vita, aimed at addressing vitamin D deficiencies, which they believe could significantly impact the mushroom industry. Follow us Investupmedia **** #investupmedia #startupfounder #startupbusiness #startups #startupindia #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #makeinindia #madeinindia #indianstartups #business #businessman #startupculture

The Rise of Chai Startups: A Trend or an Exploitative Pyramid? In recent years, we’ve witnessed a new trend: tea startups mushrooming from the US to Australia, and even in India—the land of chai itself. The humble chaiwala has become a symbol of new-age entrepreneurship, even an influencer. But as this wave of chai culture sweeps across continents, we must ask—who truly benefits? Are the profits trickling down to the tea growers and garden laborers who toil under the sun? Or is this yet another unsustainable business model where the wealth continues to be concentrated at the top, leaving behind the very hands that nurture the tea leaves? Let’s not forget that tea gardens are highly susceptible to pests, leading to the heavy use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, hormones, and other additives during the blending process. This raises a critical question: How safe is our tea or chai? No one truly knows. However, the alarming cancer rates among tea garden laborers suggest something serious might be going on. If the answer is exploitation and unsafe practices, then this model is no different from past unsustainable ventures disguised under the allure of startups. A genuinely sustainable tea business must invest in the welfare of its laborers, prioritize organic and safe farming methods, and provide transparency to consumers. If we want to savor every sip guilt-free, we must demand ethical practices from these chai ventures. Let’s turn this tea wave into a force that uplifts everyone in the value chain, from farm to cup, ensuring both safety and sustainability. #Sustainability #TeaIndustry #ChaiStartups #EthicalBusiness #PeopleOverProfit #SafeTea #SustainableLiving #FairTrade #Agriculture #CancerAwareness

Most millet entrepreneurs in India are first-generation in the business and have given up their jobs to set up #healthyfood startups that promote the cultivation and processing of millets. Here are 7 startups that have found a robust market: https://lnkd.in/gRyeX4qH #millet #startups #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #foodbusiness #millets

Six years ago, the packaging facility of Two Brothers Organic Farms® was a modest setup — just a green cloth draped over bamboo sticks sourced for free from their farm, with Rs 1,200 as their first investment. “It was just a green cloth, some bamboo sticks, and a whole lot of hope,” recalls Satyajit Hange, who co-founded the farm with his brother, Ajinkya Hange. That green cloth became the heart of their operations, where they and their small team worked tirelessly, rain or shine, driven by determination and passion. For a year, this makeshift setup, with no frills or grandeur, was their packaging plant. Under that cloth, the team packed products day and night, often braving storms, while their first car—a humble vehicle from their Pune corporate days—was repurposed into a makeshift truck. This car transported 350 kilos of produce to the market, carrying not just crops but also their dreams. Today, the picture is starkly different. The brothers now operate a 16,000 sq ft kitchen and packaging facility, supported by a 7,000 sq ft dispatch centre to ensure their organic products reach homes safely. Their farm thrives on sustainable practices like heirloom seeds and intercropping, and their brand, Amorearth, is celebrated globally. This transformation is not just about their growth but about every person who believed in them. “We’ve come a long way, but it wouldn’t have been possible without our team and the unwavering support of our customers,” Satyajit reflects. Their journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, even the smallest of beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements. #TwoBrothersOrganic #OrganicFood #Entrepreneurship #IndianStartup #Inspiration #SuccessStory [Two Brothers Organic, organic food, entrepreneurship, Indian startup, farm-to-table, Satyajit Hange, Ajinkya Hange] 

At just 22 years old, Harshit made a bold choice to leave his internship in London and journey to Israel to gain insight into avocado farming. After acquiring valuable hands-on experience, he returned to India with a strong determination to cultivate avocados locally. In 2019, Harshit established a 5-acre farm in Bhopal, transforming previously barren land into a flourishing avocado orchard using an innovative hydroponic system. Despite facing setbacks due to bureaucratic hurdles and the pandemic, he persevered and shared his inspiring journey on social media. Harshit also authored a blog, an e-book, and launched a YouTube channel to support aspiring avocado farmers across India. Harshit's commitment to avocados extends beyond mere sales, as he offers free consultancy to farmers who purchase his avocado plants, guiding them through the entire farming process to ensure their success. Under the banner of Indo-Israel Avocado, Harshit's venture is dedicated to sustainability and knowledge-sharing. The nursery utilizes advanced hydroponic systems to cultivate high-quality, disease-resistant avocado plants, ultimately helping farmers achieve superior results. Harshit's hard work has paid off, as his farm now generates an impressive annual revenue of Rs 1 crore from plant sales. Looking ahead, he plans to expand his orchard to 100 acres. Presently, his 5-acre orchard, which is now yielding fruits, has the potential to generate approximately Rs 50 lakh annually. Follow us startupshivay **** #investupmedia #startupfounder #startupbusiness #startups #startupindia #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset #makeinindia #madeinindia #indianstartups #business #businessman #startupculture

#EncounterwithStartups #32 The infant food category is heavily dominated by the giant legacy brand Nestlé, with Nestle Ltd holding a 96.5% market share in infant cereals and a 66.6% market share in infant formula with the household brand Cerelac. No one dares to compete with such a monopoly but Indian startups are a different breed. Wholsum Foods (Slurrp Farm and Millé) not only launched a product in the same category but now shares the same shelf in multiple stores across different cities. Wholsum Foods (Slurrp Farm and Millé) Farm is a brand of healthy food that sells baby foods and snacks for children and toddlers. Slurrp Farm was founded in 2016 by Meghana Narayan and Shauravi Malik. The two mothers were concerned that the current food system is broken and that sustainable, nutrient-dense, and diverse ingredients must be reintroduced into children's diets. As we witness this paradigm shift, let's applaud the courage and innovation driving Indian startups like Slurrp Farm forward. #startups #indianstartups #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur

At the age of 19, Jithu Thomas from Kerala stumbled upon mushroom cultivation, initially taking it up as a hobby. Armed with a small packet of mushroom spores, his passion for mushroom farming rapidly grew. Jithu’s dedication soon transformed this hobby into a flourishing business, largely supported by his mother, Leena Thomas. Together, Jithu and Leena established a mushroom farm that stands as a testament to their hard work and innovative approach. Their farm now yields a substantial income, generating Rs 40,000 daily. Achieving this success was no small feat, considering the specific environmental requirements of mushroom farming. Mushrooms thrive in controlled environments where temperatures are consistently maintained above 30 degrees Celsius. To create the ideal conditions, they installed an advanced cooling system and ingeniously designed their farm to accommodate approximately 20,000 mushroom beds in a space that typically fits only 5,000. This innovative use of space and technology was critical in maximizing their yield. Despite the short cultivation period of mushrooms, the farming process is fraught with challenges. The sensitivity of mushrooms to temperature fluctuations and pests means that even minor changes can drastically affect the yield. Nevertheless, the farm, spanning 5,000 square feet, employs scientific methods to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, ensuring a steady production of over 100 kilograms of mushrooms daily. Their business model is equally strategic, selling directly to retailers to eliminate the middlemen, which helps in keeping costs low and profits high. Recognizing the potential and benefits of mushroom farming, Jithu has expanded their business to include training programs. To date, he has imparted his knowledge and skills to at least 1,000 aspiring mushroom farmers. Jithu Thomas’s journey from a curious teenager to a successful entrepreneur exemplifies how passion, combined with innovation and support, can lead to remarkable achievements. #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurs #kerala #mushroomfarming #mushrooms #smallbusiness #startups #marketinggrowmatics #madeinindia #mother #son

Meet Harshit Godha, a 28-year-old entrepreneur who left the bustling streets of London for the lush fields of Bhopal to revolutionize avocado farming in India. While studying in London, Harshit was captivated by an avocado sourced from Israel, prompting him to delve deep into its cultivation. His curiosity led him to Israel for hands-on learning, and upon his return, he launched Indo-Israel Avocado in 2019 with a vision to make high-quality avocados accessible to Indian consumers at affordable prices. 🥑 Despite facing numerous challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and the COVID-19 pandemic, Harshit persevered. He transformed barren land into a thriving avocado farm, set up a state-of-the-art hydroponic nursery, and shared his journey through social media, books, and YouTube, fostering a community of aspiring avocado farmers. 📚 Today, Indo-Israel Avocado is making waves with a revenue of ₹1 crore annually and a commitment to empowering Indian farmers. With a 5-acre orchard already yielding fruit and plans to expand to 100 acres, Harshit is not just growing avocados but also cultivating a sustainable future for Indian agriculture. 🌿 His vision? To reduce India's dependence on expensive avocado imports and build a robust domestic supply chain. Harshit's journey is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and a deep-rooted passion for making a difference. 🚜 ---------------------------------------------- I interviewed Harshit Godha to chronicle his agri-entrepreneurial journey for Startup Pedia #Entrepreneurship #AvocadoFarming #Sustainability #Innovation #Startups #AgriTech #Inspiration