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[su-chakra-blog]

Why Organic Market is growing in India?

India has been one of the largest agriculture based economy in the world post-independence. It has been growing since to become world’s fastest growing major economy. India’s major GDP comes from Agriculture and allied activities (17%). India has seen a major revolution in the agriculture sector since the Green Revolution in 1960s.

India is the third largest agricultural country in the world. And has now become one of the leading producers of organic food. But what is this ‘Organic Food’ that has caught everyone’s attention lately?’

Organic food is that agricultural or manufactured produce which is free from all sorts of hazardous chemical pesticides, toxins and GMO’s (Genetic Modified Organisms).  

Organic farming is currently practiced in 178 countries, however when the Green Revolution took place, it not only boosted the increase in the pace for agriculture, but it also boosted the demand of growing crops at early pace and at varied climatic conditions. This led to the major turn in the Genetic Engineering industry leading to major increase in genetically modified crops and other pesticides, which in turn lead to major decrease in the traditional crops and methods of organic farming.

The chemical content in the food crops and items thus increased rapidly, with a lot of diseases catching up pace. But by the turn of 2000’s, the discomfort among people grew in addition to the growing pollution and toxic consumption. Which eventually gave birth to rise in awareness to consumption of organic products.

India currently holds a 9th position among 178 countries that actively practices organic agriculture. The market for organic product was estimated to be INR. 533 million in 2016 and is estimated to be INR.871 million by 2021. At present the country is home to more than 835,000 organic producers, 699 processors, 669 exporters and 1.49 million hectares area under organic cultivation. And with the increasing awareness among the people regarding health fitness and issues, environmental pollutions, the urge to consume rich diet is fast pacing the industry to expand its growth. Growth in urbanization in the country is also a major driving force for the same. Rapidly growing urban population is the primary consumer for organic products in the race of creating the “urbanite” lifestyle.

The other major reason for the growing organic market in India is due to the encouragement shown by Indian Government through various subsidiaries and schemes to encourage more and more farmers to opt for organic farming, leading to major change in the agriculture modern methods and increase in practice of more organic methods of farming. This has attracted a chain of manufacturers in the million-dollar industry and creating and emerging with great pace, is one such company SU-CHAKRA.

SU-CHAKRA is a chain of organic grocery stores based in Pune. Their Mantra is “Swatantray..Vishari Annapasun.” which roughly translates to “Freedom (from)…Toxic Food.”

They offer a large and wide variety of products-

v  Vegetables

v  Fruits

v  Grains

v  Cereals

v  Pulses

v  Stone Grounded Flour

v  Cold pressed Oil

v  Hand Pounded Salt

v  Sulphur-free Sugar and Jaggery

Also other variety such as:

v  Super foods

v  Organic Ghee

v  Healthy snacks

v  Healthcare and Cosmetics

v  Pooja Items

They have 4 stores in Pune:

v  Kothrud

v  Karve Nagar

v  Mangalwar Peth

v  Sadashiv Peth

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Why Organic Food is healthier than Conventional Food

Organic food is a food grown using standard methods of farming and is free from poisonous chemicals, growth hormones, antibiotics and GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms). It is also deprived of any artificial sweetness agents, colors or flavoring.

It is grown using traditional techniques of farming and natural fertilizers like animal matter, animal excreta (manure), human excreta, and vegetable matter (compost and crop residues). It helps in maintaining the soil balance and is considered a better option than conventional food. Let us explore in depth why demand for organic food has increased, even though it is costlier, in comparison to conventional foodstuffs.

Organic food has been gaining been momentum with increase in awareness in people for healthy food consumption. People are choosing more and healthier food options, right from manufacturing to retail. Demand for organic food is on the spreading spree particularly in urban areas.

Research has shown that organic food contain higher levels of antioxidants and certain micronutrients such as Vitamin C, zinc, iron, etc. It is found that it contains 69% more antioxidants than conventional food also it has 52% higher vitamins. Organic foodstuffs also have lower i.e. 30% less nitrate content in them. Nitrates in large quantity are harmful and can cause increase in risk for cancer.

The consumption of organic food is good for heart as it contains more amount of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid). CLA is healthy fatty acid with potential qualities of bolstering cardiovascular protection, and it is found in higher quantities in the meat and milk products of animals that have been pastured in free range.

GMO’s are Genetically Modified Organisms which are generally added in the non-organic food to increase its growth rate, colour and taste and longevity. GMO’s are harmful for human digestion as they may disturb the internal flora.

Organic food is chemical-free and GMO free. Being chemical and artificial flavors free, they have their own natural taste and sweetness.

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All you need to know about A2 Milk

Milk is a basic dietary supplement of any Indian household. At large, Indians majorly consume cow or buffalo milk. However, if explored in depth, the milk that is consumed is primarily divided in to two types:

v  A1 milk

v  A2 milk

A1 milk is the type that is consumed daily by a large population in India and globally. However, a recent study has shown that consumption of A1 milk in a regular basis can lead to harmful side effects, in both adults and children.

The solution to this is to switch to A2 milk. A2 milk is locally known as organic milk or ‘desi cow milk’ in India. It is rich in casein, which is a type of protein found in milk. Casein comprises of 80% of the milk, which is further divided in different types of caseins levels, one of which is the commonly known beta-casein.

Beta-casein then comprises of 30% of the milk and is divide into two types A1 and A2. Both these proteins affect body differently on the body.

When the A1 milk is ingested, it produces a protein which is found to create discomfort in the stomach, with symptoms similar to lactose intolerance. Whereas the A2 protein is structured differently and is easily digestible.

A2 milk also has higher benefits than A1 milk. A1 milk is known to cause discomfort in stomach such as gas formations, bloating and diarrhea which are symptoms of lactose intolerance. The protein found in A1 milk is also linked to other disabilities such as neurological impairment, type 1 diabetes, heart disease etc. Due to low heat pasteurization techniques used in A2 milk production, the beneficial nutrients and bacteria in the milk are preserved and also help in lowering cholesterol levels.

A2 Milk is one of the richest sources of calcium, which is necessary strong bones and healthy teeth. Following are the some benefits of A2 Milk:

·         High Vitamin - Milk contains many vitamins that are beneficial to health. Vitamin D helps your body in absorbing calcium and phosphorous, necessary to build bones and teeth strong. Riboflavin helps your body use carbohydrates for energy. Vitamin A helps in increasing vision and immunity.

·         High Minerals – There are three main minerals i.e Calcium, Phosphorus & Potassium in dairy milk that are key to a healthy lifestyle. Calcium is necessary for strong bones & teeth and also important to muscle function and blood pressure. Potassium and Phosphorus helps to produce protein for cell and tissue growth, maintenance and repair.

·         High protein – Milk is the most affordable protein sources. There are two protein types are ‘whey and casein’ are high in A2 milk.

SU-CHAKRA is a FMCG brand with a wide range of poison-free products including a2 Milk, Dairy products, Fruits & Vegetables, Cereals and Millets, Flours, Pulses and Grains, Cold Pressed Oils, Jaggery, Salt, Oils, Sugar , healthy Ready-to-Eat snacks as well as Healthcare & Cosmetics, Pooja items etc.

SU-CHAKRA has four brick and mortar stores in Pune at Karve Nagar, Kothrud, Sadashiv Peth and Mangalwar Pethand, with provision of home deliveries.