How This Delhi-Based Social Startup Changed the Lives of Farmers in Meghalaya
We always want to ensure that we source sustainably, and we provide a livelihood to those that we are sourcing - Meenakshi Bhardwaj,
We always want to ensure that we source sustainably, and we provide a livelihood to those that we are sourcing – Meenakshi Bhardwaj
The Aranyam Story
How This Delhi-Based Social Startup Changed the Lives of Farmers in Meghalaya
Meenakshi Bhardwaj
MPNN-NEWS
New Delhi: Aranyam Naturals, a Delhi-based social startup founded by Meenakshi Bhardwaj, has been on a mission to help North-Eastern tribal farmers since its inception.
The journey began in 2015 at a CSR conference, where Meenakshi met a social worker who gave her some honey and turmeric and asked for help for her village. This one request eventually led to the creation of Aranyam Naturals, which has now grown to become a beacon of hope for the farmers of the region.
“We always want to ensure that we source sustainably, and we provide a livelihood to those that we are sourcing from,” says Meenakshi Bhardwaj, Founder and CEO of Aranyam Naturals.
Aranyam Naturals’ efforts have had a profound impact on the lives of the marginalised tribal farmers of Meghalaya, who belong to the Mookyndang, Shanpung, and Laskein
villages. Their region-specific Lakadong turmeric is renowned for its high curcumin content (7-10%), which is cultivated on the small plots of land they own. The Honey is collected from the forests of Cherrapunji and Mawsynram.
By working directly with the farmers, Aranyam Naturals has been able to ensure that they receive reasonable prices for their products, which has helped them lead a more sustainable lifestyle. The startup has provided almost a hundred farmers with the means and resources to continue their traditional farming practices while also ensuring that they have access to a reliable source of income.
“I am going to help [the farmers] and I am going to help the society as well by bringing something good to them,” was the two-fold mission that led to the formation of Aranyam Naturals, says Meenakshi Bhardwaj.
Aranyam Naturals’ determination to justly compensate the farmers has not wavered over the years, even when the market costs for the products inflate. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Aranyam Naturals’ commitment to supporting them has remained steadfast. Recognising that the pandemic would have a disproportionate impact on rural and marginalised communities, Meenakshi Bhardwaj made it her mission to ensure that the farmers could continue to earn a livelihood, going above and beyond to arrange for transportation during the lockdowns as well.
Aranyam Naturals is a remarkable example of how a small effort can bring about a significant change in the lives of marginalised farmers. Through its mission of providing sustainable livelihoods to farmers in Meghalaya, Aranyam Naturals has empowered the
community, created a positive impact on their lives, and brought their products to the world. Meenakshi Bhardwaj’s vision and determination have played a crucial role in making this possible, and her commitment to the cause has been unwavering despite the challenges faced. Aranyam Naturals is an inspiring story of how social entrepreneurship can create a meaningful difference in the society.
