Barvi Agro specializes in agricultural products and services, particularly those centered around millet. As societal awareness of health consciousness continues to rise, there is a significant surge in the demand for organic and naturally cultivated agricultural products. Recognizing this trend, Barvi Agro envisions to revolutionize the healthy food market, placing a strong emphasis on millet.
The shift in consumer preferences towards organic and naturally grown agricultural products is evident. It’s driven by a growing understanding of the health issues associated with chemically cultivated foods. Barvi Agro strategically addresses this consumer concerns. Subsequently, it channels those pain points into the creation of innovative products, with millet as a primary focus.
In an insightful conversation with The Interview World, Amruta Ovhal, Director of Barvi Agro, sheds light on her entrepreneurial journey in the realm of millet. Here are the key highlights from her discussion.
Q: Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey with millets.
A: For the past eighteen months, our dedicated efforts have been focused on exploring the benefits of millets. Traditionally, people consume millets in the form of roti, but the challenge lies in the fact that not everyone enjoys eating millet rotis, especially children. Recognizing this gap, we’ve introduced a delightful alternative – granola.
Our granola is meticulously crafted, featuring a blend of three types of flakes and seven varieties of seeds. To further elevate its taste, we incorporate jaggery and dates. This not only adds a sweet note but also enhances the overall nutritional profile of the product. It’s a particularly advantageous option for individuals grappling with iron and calcium deficiencies, as we have designed these products with their health needs in mind.
Additionally, we are proud to present another offering in our lineup – muesli. Comprising rolled oats, flakes, and seeds, this wholesome combination is perfect for your morning snacks or breakfasts. Thoughtfully, we have created both our granola and muesli to cater to a diverse range of tastes and nutritional requirements, ensuring a delightful and health-conscious start to your day.
Q: How many products have you created to date?
A: We offer a variety of eight products, each designed to cater to different needs. Among them is a special laddu crafted for all age groups, particularly beneficial for women with calcium deficiencies or bone-related ailments. This nutritious laddu holds significant health benefits.
Additionally, we feature cookies made from oats and ragi, suitable even for children. Consuming just two of these cookies can be a satisfying and stomach-filling snack. Not only do these cookies curb your hunger, but they also leave a delightful taste lingering on your tongue.
In summary, our merchandising list includes a range of products tailored to diverse preferences and nutritional requirements.
Q: Are you making these products by yourself or do you have a team?
A: While I don’t personally create all these products, I collaborate with a team of six skilled individuals who assist in their production. Our process begins by locally sourcing raw materials from trusted producers. With a dedicated focus on nutritional value, hygiene, and health consciousness, we meticulously craft our products.
Before introducing our offerings to the market, we conduct thorough quality assessments in laboratories. This ensures that each product meets specific standards for nutritional value and shelf life, guaranteeing both quality and durability. Paramount in our approach is the priority we place on understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of our valued customers.
Q: How do you market your products and what’s the market response?
A: Presently, our e-commerce operations are primarily conducted through Amazon, while offline sales are facilitated in the local market. As part of our expansion strategy, we are actively targeting key locations like Mumbai and Pune, ensuring our products are accessible nationwide through various online platforms.
Despite the widespread availability, we recognize a common challenge: a lack of awareness regarding the health benefits of millet. To address this, we are proactively engaging with the public through participation in large fairs and tradeshows, where we disseminate crucial information.
Traditionally, people consume millet in a limited and conventional manner, resulting in relatively low acceptance. To reshape perceptions, we are innovatively redefining millet consumption. By incorporating millet into a range of processed foods, we aim to provide not only nutritional value but also a delightful taste. Our mission involves reaching out to the public, emphasizing the health benefits associated with our products.
One major hurdle is the traditional consumption pattern of millet, which may not appeal to all age groups, especially children. Recognizing this, we have strategically repackaged millet in various exciting formats, such as crafting laddus designed specifically for children. The appealing packaging and delicious taste aim to make millet more palatable, ensuring that even the youngest consumers enjoy the nutritious benefits without compromising on taste.
Q: What’s your next stop in product innovation?
A: We have an upcoming launch for a health drink poised to serve as a viable alternative to products such as Bournvita. This innovative beverage comprises a blend of protein powder, millet, and nuts. Currently, our team is diligently working on the development of this product, and we anticipate its market introduction shortly.
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