Market Access in India for Organic and Natural Produce

Dr Ramanjaneyulu GV is an accomplished Agricultural Scientist specializing in agroecology, organic/natural farming, and agribusiness management. As the Executive Director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Expert Director of Sahaja Aharam Producer Company, he has worked with over 50,000 farmers, promoting ecologically and economically sustainable agriculture models. With a strong focus on supporting farmer-producer organizations and linking organic/natural farmers directly to markets, he has made significant contributions to the field. He is also recognized as a leading authority in organic certification and has authored numerous publications. He is a renowned TEDx speaker and has produced a feature film on the agrarian crisis and its solutions.

Rajashekar Reddy Seelam is the founder and Managing Director of Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt Ltd, a leading organic food business in India. Witnessing the harmful impact of chemicals on soil, food, and people, he established Sresta in 2004, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, lifestyles, and the environment. Sresta works with 35,000 smallholder farmers on 200,000 acres across 12 states, producing and marketing 150+ organic food products under the "24 Mantra" brand in India and global markets. Seelam also holds positions such as founder Chairman of the Association of Indian Organic Industry (AIOI), member of various industry association taskforces and government committees, and an invited speaker at national and international forums.

Dr Manoj Gupta, is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur. He has worked in various capacities at different Research Stations and KVKs and has wide experience of executing about 20 Extension and Research projects and has published more than 50 publications.Presently, he is working as the Principal Scientist (Agri. Economics) in the ‘State Project Implementing Unit (SPIU) of ‘PrakritikKhetiKhushhal Kisan Yojna (PK3Y)’ and monitoring the R&D initiatives funded by the project. He has played a major role in developing an Innovative Farmer’s Self Certification and Evaluation System for Natural Farming produce.

Mr Dinesh Balam has more than 15 years of experience and worked in different capacities in projects in Asia, Europe and Middle East. In the last 10 years he has worked on Rainfed Agriculture Policy Advocacy, Programme Design and implementation of large scale initiatives at state and national level working with UN agencies (FAO, World Food Programme, IFAD), ICAR, CSIR, ISB and many other policy and research organisations. He has interests in agrobiodiversity, culture, sustainable development and agriculture policy. He is also member of committees in NITI Aayog, member of committee on State Organic Policy, Crop diversification, Millets and other working groups at state and national level.He has been involved in the design and grounding of the Odisha Millets Mission since its inception. He is currently state coordinator of OMM.

Akash Badave is a former Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellow and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Bhoomgaadi Organic Farmers Produce Company. He is dedicated to providing a market for organic farmers in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, India. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, Akash focuses on practical and inclusive solutions to uplift vulnerable sections of society. Having spent several years immersed in the lives of local tribal farmers in Dantewada, his efforts aim to promote self-reliance, equity, and active participation among farmers. He believes that sustainable practices and simple living can contribute to a sense of fulfilment and well-being.

Amit Khurana is the Director of the Sustainable Food Systems programme at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, India. Amit has been working to push for necessary changes in policy and practice towards food systems, which are sustainable for the livelihood of farmers, the health of people and the environment. Based on policy research and learnings from the practices, he writes, helps build capacity and advocates for change along with his team.