Entrepreneurship often springs from restless ambition fueled by a vision to solve pressing problems. For Amit Bhide and Shivani, it was a journey from corporate careers in the Gulf to cultivating chemical-free turmeric on their own farmland, embodying this entrepreneurial spirit. In 2022, the couple left behind stable jobs after completing engineering and MBA degrees to return to Nagpur and start turmeric farming on a modest 5-acre plot. Employing natural farming methods alongside rigorous agricultural best practices, they focused on growing pure, chemical-free turmeric. They further enhanced their product by acquiring a CSIR patent to produce premium turmeric powder, now supplied to leading brands and discerning consumers alike.

 

Their venture has since expanded to 20 acres, now cultivating three principal spices and catering to prominent names in Nagpur’s food and hospitality industry, including Jog Hospitality, Naivedyam, Ghugre, and Baron Kitchen. Currently, the enterprise employs eight individuals and procures produce from ten nearby farmers committed to natural farming techniques. “Conscious foodpreneurs are catalysts of transformation - by focusing on pure, innovative agriculture, they not only elevate Nagpur’s agri-landscape but also set new standards for health, sustainability, and community prosperity,” said Ravleen Singh Khurana, Past President from Laghu Udyog Bharati, Vidarbha Chapter. In a parallel success story, Anant Bhoyar of Katol tehsil has been a pioneer of organic farming since 2008. An award-winning farmer who is recognised with honours such as the Krishi Bhushan award and the MS Swaminathan Fellowship, Bhoyar’s commitment extends beyond cultivation.

 

He has trained hundreds of farmers in natural farming and innovated indigenous machines to process agricultural products within his home enterprise. Together with his family, Bhoyar launched the Gavkus Naturals brand in 2014, which has grown to boast over 700 loyal customers in Nagpur and features more than 50 unique products. Among these are specialty items like Palash Chai, Ambadi Mukhwas/Sharbat, and caffeine-free herbal coffee, attracting attention for their purity and distinctiveness. “It is essential to rebuild a more inclusive and socially conscious world through entrepreneurship. Initiatives led by passionate individuals have the potential to change the world and create social impact, forging a thriving ecosystem that uplifts communities and inspires purposeful change,” Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, affirmed.

 

The rise of these conscious foodpreneurs reflects a growing demand across demographics for pure, unadulterated food. Amit, Shivani, and Anant are not only meeting this demand but also setting inspiring examples for aspiring entrepreneurs eager to enter the food industry. Supporting this entrepreneurial spirit, Nagpur Entrepreneurial Mission supported by Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) is actively working in Nagpur for the past one-and-half-years to drive economic growth of the local MSMEs in order to create bulk job opportunities for masses in the respective value chains of these MSMEs. Their journey underscores a powerful trend in Nagpur: a shift toward sustainable agriculture and locally rooted, health-conscious entrepreneurship that benefits communities and consumers alike.