There have been frequent debates on agro-business companies not showing adequate concern for the livelihoods of small farmers. Farmers’ unions have often protested—generally with good reason—that while they do not receive fair returns despite high risks and hard work, corporate interests that merely process the crops produced by farmers earn disproportionately high profits. Hence, there is a growing demand for alternative models of agro-business development that demonstrate genuine commitment to protecting farmer livelihoods.
This is particularly important in a country like India, where safeguarding the interests of small farmers is a matter of high national priority.
Against this background, the efforts of some young social entrepreneurs stand out. They are attempting, in small but meaningful ways, to develop business models that are strong and sustainable while remaining fully aligned with wider social objectives—particularly farmers’ welfare, public health, and environmental protection.
Satyam Bhandari, Mohit Rana and Rohit Singh are three young entrepreneurs who have established an edible-oil company named Heart in Hills (HIH)—a name that likely pays homage to their Himalayan origins, despite their operations being based largely in Rajasthan. Their main production unit is located in Hindaun city, but the company also works with farmers in other regions.
Under the brand name Foreka, they produce cold-pressed edible oils, focusing primarily on mustard but also on other indigenous oilseeds such as groundnut, sesame and coconut. Their aim is to supply healthy food while ensuring fairness to farmers and minimizing environmental harm by prioritizing produce grown using natural farming methods.
As Satyam Bhandari emphasizes, “Our aims of being fair and useful to farmers and of protecting health and environmental concerns are non-negotiable. We are not just entrepreneurs, but social entrepreneurs. Social objectives are integral to us and to our business ethics.”
While business realities cannot be ignored, the enterprise strives to support farmers within existing market constraints. It has completely eliminated unfair practices such as arbitrary deductions and weighing manipulations, and it ensures prompt payments.
According to Mohit Rana, “Once a farmer takes his crop to the market, he becomes vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous elements. That is why we have established partnerships with farmer-producer organizations. This allows transactions to take place in a climate of trust, and in most cases, the produce can be collected directly from the village—saving farmers transportation costs.”
HIH has developed strong linkages with FPOs and farmer-producer companies, including Dang Vikas in Karauli district of Rajasthan (mainly for mustard) and another group named after freedom fighter Jhalkari Bai in the Bundelkhand region. As the enterprise grows, it hopes to expand such collaborations.
Satyam adds, “We see our future not only in terms of our own growth but also in how helpful we can be to other farmer-producer groups and their emerging companies. They have noble intentions, good ideas and deep rural reach, but they may need professional support to succeed as businesses. Since we have faced harsh market realities ourselves, we can provide guidance grounded in both expertise and practical experience.”
While all food enterprises should promote healthy products, this expectation is particularly crucial for the edible-oil industry, as these oils are consumed daily in almost every household. HIH adheres to high health standards by using cold-press technology, prioritizing produce from natural farming (and offering a small additional margin for such produce), and firmly rejecting any adulteration or blending that could dilute the nutritional value of indigenous oilseeds.
The company also strives to uphold fair working conditions by ensuring payment of at least legally mandated wages—often more—along with incentives for extra work. Some marginal farmers facing distress have been given priority for employment and trained in skilled tasks.
Within just three years, this social enterprise has emerged as one of the more promising agro-business initiatives aligned with social and national objectives.
HIH’s journey has been supported by several institutions. Satyam Bhandari acknowledges the fellowship program of the Budha Institute as particularly valuable, along with ongoing mentoring and support from the institute.
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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include India’s Quest for Sustainable Farming and Healthy Food, Protecting Earth for Children, Man over Machine, and A Day in 2071
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