‘Eat What You Grow’: Homemaker Earns Rs 50 Lakh/Year Selling Native Seeds to Gardeners. Chandana Gade co-founded Seedbasket Agro Services with her husband Naveen, to source native seeds from the villages and make them available to urban gardeners looking to grow their own vegetables.
Many people living in urban areas dream of growing their own organic vegetables at home, but often face challenges in finding good quality seeds, soil, and other gardening supplies. Chandana Gade, a homemaker from Hyderabad, faced the same problem when she wanted to feed her daughter healthy food grown at home. She realized that there was a huge gap in the market for native seeds, which are more nutritious and resilient than hybrid varieties.
That's when she decided to start her own online store, Seedbasket Agro Services, along with her husband Naveen Gade, a software engineer, in 2016. Their aim was to source native seeds from the villages and make them available to urban gardeners looking to grow their own vegetables.
What are native seeds and why are they better?
Native seeds are those that have been cultivated and preserved by farmers for generations, without any genetic modification or chemical intervention. They are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and have higher resistance to pests and diseases. They also retain their original flavor and nutritional value, unlike hybrid seeds, which are often bred for higher yield and uniformity.
Native seeds are also beneficial for the environment, as they help conserve biodiversity and reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. They also promote seed sovereignty, which means that farmers have the right to save and exchange their own seeds, without being controlled by corporations or patents.
How does Seedbasket Agro Services work?
Seedbasket Agro Services is an online platform that offers a wide range of products for home gardening enthusiasts. They have nearly 200 products, including native seeds of vegetables, fruits, flowers, microgreens, herbs, exotic varieties, grow bags, cow dung cakes, organic fertilizers, and gardening tools.
The company sources its seeds from various parts of India, such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Himachal Pradesh. They work with local farmers who grow native seeds using organic methods and traditional knowledge. They also test the seeds for germination rate and purity before packaging them.
The company sells its products through its website (www.seedbasket.in), as well as through other e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart. They deliver across India within 3-5 days. They also provide customer support and guidance on how to grow different crops at home.
What is the impact of Seedbasket Agro Services?
Since its inception in 2016, Seedbasket Agro Services has grown steadily and has achieved a turnover of Rs 50 lakh per year. The company has served over 50,000 customers across India and has received positive feedback and reviews for its products and services.
The company has also created a social impact by supporting rural farmers who grow native seeds. By providing them a market and a fair price for their seeds, the company helps them earn a livelihood and preserve their heritage. The company also educates its customers about the benefits of native seeds and encourages them to adopt organic gardening practices.
The company's motto is "Eat what you grow", which reflects its vision of creating a healthier and greener society by promoting home gardening. The company believes that by growing their own food at home, people can not only save money and reduce waste but also improve their physical and mental well-being.
What are the future plans of Seedbasket Agro Services?
The company plans to expand its product range and reach more customers across India. It also plans to collaborate with more farmers who grow native seeds and help them improve their quality and productivity. The company also aims to create more awareness about native seeds and organic gardening among urban consumers.
The company's ultimate goal is to become a one-stop solution for all home gardening needs and to inspire more people to grow their own food at home using native seeds.
Chandana Gade is an inspiring example of how one can turn a passion for gardening into a profitable and sustainable business. By sourcing native seeds from the villages and selling them to urban gardeners, she is not only earning a handsome income, but also preserving the biodiversity and heritage of India’s crops. Her venture, Seedbasket Agro Services, is a boon for those who want to grow their own vegetables and enjoy the benefits of fresh, organic and nutritious food. Chandana’s story shows that with dedication, innovation and hard work, one can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on the society and the environment.
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