The concept of Sustainability stems from the idea of meeting our needs with the available resources whilst ensuring adequate supply for future generations. To sustain an organization, its processes and the lives of individuals depending on it should be the goal of any entrepreneurial venture. There are quite a few who strive to achieve sustainability and bring about a change in the society. One such is our very own Taru Naturals.
Since its inception, Taru has envisioned a fortification of rural and urban India by empowering and safeguarding small scale farmer communities. In this process it has achieved many of the Sustainable Development Goals, as laid down by the United Nations General Assembly. Let’s look at these goals in detail and understand what Taru has done to achieve them.
Good Health and Wellbeing:
The very business of Taru Naturals is to provide its customers with organic products and safe alternatives to unhealthy ingredients. Through its social media channels, the organisation aims to spread awareness about healthy practises and products that one can make a part of their lives. The wide range of products at Taru offers consumers a chance to enjoy guilt and gluten-free consumption. Under the guidance of Dr Punam Jain, the organisation strives to contribute to the well being of its community, at the grassroots level and in the social media space.
Decent Work and Economic Growth:
Taru is associated with farmers and farmer groups across India, from whom it procures organic produce on a regular basis. Engaging in such a partnership has proved beneficial not only for Taru but also the farmers involved. From Maharashtra to Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Chattisgarh and all the way east to Assam, Taru has positively impacted the livelihoods of farmers and their families. Over the past 4 years it has more than doubled its purchases from farmers. Purchases of turmeric, rice and buckwheat have seen major jumps, with a combined purchase value of nearly 24 lacs in the 2021-22 season. These purchases have provided regular income to farmers and kept them engaged with Taru for the long run.
Life on Land:
Through its farmer partnerships, Taru has ensured the flourishment of Natural Farming that makes the best use of the available organic resources. This system benefits farmers by offering them a chance to harvest their produce at a low cost whilst preserving the quality of ground water and the soil. Sustainable methods that reduce/remove the need to depend on chemical usage are encourage by Taru. The organisation partners with organic farmers who help drive this goal of sustainability.
Climate action:
As mentioned in the previous Development goal, Taru encourages its partner farmers to engage in Natural Farming techniques. These systems have a positive impact on the environment by replenishing the soil with nutrients. The produce that organic farmers are blessed with is healthy, tasty and remains fresh for longer than those infused with chemicals do. Moreover, Taru partners with farmers who have inspired others to take up organic methods and formed Clubs for the same. Such organic methods reduce emission levels of greenhouse gases through enhanced carbon sequestration.
Reduced Inequalities:
Through its partnerships with farmer groups, Taru has established itself as an organisation that promotes natural farming and strives to positively contribute to the livelihood of farmers across the country. It has also played a key role in eliminating social and economic inequalities amongst the farmer groups. Through initiatives such as the Farm to Table Relief Fund, Taru has accomplished the twin objectives of satisfying the hunger of poor urban labourers and providing a steady income to farmers in times of turmoil. It continues to work towards eliminating social inequality by empowering women farmers. Taru has assisted them in the building of greenhouses, training them to implement organic techniques thereby making them self-sufficient.
Responsible Consumption and Production:
As mentioned previously, Taru’s range of organic products aims to give its consumer a healthy and wholesome experience. It encourages health-conscious consumption by spreading awareness, sharing recipes and highlighting the health benefits of indigenous products. With a social media family of more than 4,000 members the need to promote responsible consumption and production among these members has only increased. And rightly so, Taru also has taken up more social responsibility; with newer products and better social reach.
Partnership for Goals:
Over the course of its journey in the social domain, Taru has partnered with various organisations which have shared its goal of supporting farmer communities. Its partners include institutions such as SPJIMR, The Art of Living, National Agriculture & Food Analysis & Research Institute (NAFARI) and NGOs such as UnLtd India. Taru has also associated itself with Organic Farming communities whose produce it purchases. In the case of its Farm to Table Relief Fund, the organisation partnered with restaurant chain Americano and International Association for Human Values (IAHV). These organisations have had a positive impact on Taru’s campaigning and strengthened its footing in the Organic Food sector.
Authored by: P. Krithik, Intern (IIM Indore)