Several companies have come into existence during the lockdown and while some have sustained themselves, many others have made it very big. RawGranules is one such company, which took birth during the pandemic-induced lockdown and has, within a very short period of time, become a household name.
The Start of RawGranules
Karthik H Sreedhar, 33, an alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS-Pilani) had returned to his native village Hamsagaru of Sagar taluk in Shivamogga district (Karnataka). Due to the lockdown and the ‘Work From Home’ culture. Karthik had a special attachment towards farming and farmers. And hence he always had an idea of helping farmers at the back of his mind. Hence, every evening, during the relaxed lockdown period, he used to visit the local farmers and during one such visit. He met KG Prashanth, a resident of Talavata village, who was a farmer managing over 25 acres of orchard. Over a conversation, Karthik and Prashant realized that they share the same goal-to help the farmers expand the market for their products.
The two decided to join hands, and thus on June 13, 2020, came into existence RawGranules, a farm startup. Starting with an initial investment of Rs 6 lakhs, the duo took about eight months to finalize the strategies for the start-up.
Mission behind RawGranules
The main idea behind RawGranules was to buy the local grains. And other farm products from the farmers and supply them to consumers. The farm products procured by the RawGranules are of the highest quality, cultivated. And harvested using the olden traditional and natural methods, which is almost forgotten. With such emphasis on quality, the authenticity and the rich flavors of each of the RawGranules products have made it an instant hit among consumers. These products are collected from the farms and later delivered to the customers leaving, them to have a whole new experience. In an era of stiff competition, it looks like RawGranules is focused only on quality rather than involving in a tariff fight.
What’s on the list?
Spices, Red rice, health drinks, honey, oils, pickles, herbal soaps, coffee powder, sambar powders, these products are listed on the official website of RawGranules. Through these products, the company is staying true to its core values of ‘Quality Products, Quality Health and Quality Experience’
Supporting the farmers
The company buys products from the local farmers and gives 10 percent extra to the farmers when compared to the prevailing market rates.
Malnad is known for the good quality farm products, but expanding the market has always been a challenge even when there is a good demand for the products. For example, we see people paying more than Rs 100 for peeled jackfruit in cities, but the same jackfruit is dumped in villages as there are no buyers. RawGranules is an initiative to help the farmers. We also allow farmers to sell their products under our brand name
Karthik
Costlier products
According to Karthik H Shreedhar, the company products are a bit costly and there is an explanation for the same. Karthik says that the company gives utmost importance to quality and packaging. And since the products are made using traditional methods, it cannot be cheap.
“Our products are natural and unprocessed. We hand-pick the best quality products from the field. We also want to ensure that the farmers get a fair share and hence the price is slightly higher. But you are definitely getting what you are paying for. Getting the products from traditional methods nowadays incur huge costs compared to the products from modern ways/technologies. That has made our products costly compared to the other products. Our target customers are those who look for quality products in the metros. Our sole aim is to create a brand name for the Sagara region products. And help the farmers,” he said adding that it is a startup with a very long-term vision.
Unique Company
According to the founders, though several marketplaces and initiatives have been started to help the farmers, RawGranules is still different.
The unique factor of the company is that it is using the best quality ingredients straight from the farm. Providing quality products is our strength and we rely on that for the growth of the company. We have hired experts in the field of manufacturing to help us maintain the quality of the products. All our customers who have used our products are absolutely delighted,
