Founded by Madhu Chandan, Organic Mandya is more than just a company—it’s a movement that is transforming Indian agriculture. Established with the vision of bringing back sustainable, chemical-free farming, the organization empowers farmers by giving them direct access to consumers and fair pricing. Today, it stands as India’s only full-stack organic brand, managing everything from cultivation to retail.
At its core, Organic Mandya aims to revive traditional farming practices, ensure farmer profitability, and make organic food accessible to every household. What is the driving force behind this revolution? Madhu Chandan, a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur, traded technology for soil to make a significant impact.
“I didn’t come back to start a business. I came to find a solution.”
Some people chase success. Others redefine it. Madhu Chandan belongs to the latter.
A successful software entrepreneur in the U.S., he had everything—a booming business, financial security, and the kind of life most people dream of. But something felt off.
“I saw what was happening back home. Farmer suicides. Massive debt. People are leaving their villages for low-paying jobs in cities. And I asked myself—what’s the point of my success if my people are struggling?”
So, he did what most wouldn’t. He walked away from it all and came back to India. He returned to India not to establish a new company or pursue profits, but to rectify a malfunctioning system.
That’s how Organic Mandya was born.
The Wake-Up Call: Why Are Our Farmers Poor?
When Madhu Chandan returned, he started digging deep (literally and figuratively). What was his most significant revelation? Farming had changed—but not for the better.
“Our forefathers were rich and healthy. They ate what they grew, lived sustainably, and never relied on chemicals. Today’s farmers? They grow one or two crops—sugarcane, wheat, or paddy—and sell at wholesale prices. But they buy everything else at retail. That’s a broken model.”
In simple terms, farmers should be self-sufficient, not just suppliers.
The old ways made farmers prosperous. The new ways? They left them in debt.
So, Madhu had a radical idea: bring back traditional farming methods. Make it sustainable. Make it profitable. And most importantly, make it accessible.
Organic Mandya: More Than Just a Business
Did he come back to start a company? No.
But when farmers started adopting organic practices, a new problem arose—where would they sell their produce?
That’s when Madhu and his friends pooled in money to create Organic Mandya—not just as a marketplace but as a movement. A platform where farmers could sell directly to consumers, get fair prices, and cut out the exploitative middlemen.
And the results? Nothing short of incredible.
- Started with ₹1.4 crore in sales in just six months
- Now touching ₹60 crore in annual revenue
- Over 2,000 farmers onboard, 90% from Karnataka
- The only full-stack organic brand in India—handling everything from farming to retail
And yet, for Madhu, is just the beginning.
“Farmers built this country. Don’t you forget that.”
There’s a growing narrative that farming is outdated, that India has too many farmers, and that they should move to other sectors. But Madhu calls out this mindset as pure ignorance.
“This country was built by farmers. Before tech companies, before startups, before fancy offices—who paid the taxes? Farmers. Who built the economy? Farmers. And today, we sit in air-conditioned rooms and question their relevance? That’s nonsense.”
He’s not just passionate—he’s furious. Because he sees the potential.
“Farming isn’t the problem. The system is. Fix the system, and you’ll see how powerful our agricultural sector can be.”
Organic vs. Chemical Farming: The Truth Behind the Price Tag
One of the biggest criticisms of organic food? It’s expensive.
But Madhu has a simple explanation. “Right now, demand is higher than supply. Not enough farmers are growing organic produce, so prices are naturally higher. But the moment more farmers switch, costs will drop. It’s just basic economics.”
For him, it’s not about making organic food a luxury—it’s about making it the norm.
“Copy-pasting a startup idea won’t make you an entrepreneur.”
Madhu has been in the game long enough to see why most startups fail.
“You can’t build a business just by copying someone else’s idea. People keep trying to create the ‘Indian version’ of successful Western companies. That’s lazy. Look around. India has real problems that need solving. If you want to be an entrepreneur, start there.”
His advice?
- Solve a real problem – If your idea doesn’t fix something, it won’t last.
- Build a great product first – No marketing gimmick can save a bad product.
- Think long-term – Business isn’t about quick wins. It’s about lasting impact.
What’s Next? Scaling Organic Mandya & Expanding the Mission
The journey isn’t over. In fact, it’s just heating up.
- Expansion plans: Organic Mandya is growing beyond Karnataka into Telangana, with more states on the radar.
- New product lines: The company is investing in high-protein organic foods to tackle India’s nutritional deficiencies.
- Going global: India is already a major exporter of organic produce, and Madhu plans to make Organic Mandya a key player in that space.
Final Thoughts: A Movement, Not Just a Market
Madhu Chandan isn’t just building a company—he’s leading a revolution.
He’s proving that farming can be profitable, organic can be affordable, and sustainability can be the future.
And he’s not stopping anytime soon.
“This isn’t about me. It’s about every farmer in India who deserves better. And I won’t rest until we make that happen.”
India’s agriculture is at a turning point. And thanks to visionaries like Madhu, it’s heading in the right direction.
By – Nikita
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