The Hindu Business Line : Sresta Natural increases organic cultivation

Hyderabad, Nov. 15 Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt Ltd, promoters of organic food brand 24 Letter Mantra, has increased its organic cultivation from 12,000 acres last year to 30,000 acres during the current financial year.

“The new area that has been added for organic farming is in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, north-eastern States and Uttarakhand,” Mr Rama Krishna K., Manager (Marketing), Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt Ltd, said while addressing a press conference here.

In Andhra Pradesh, the company has started an organic farming project spread across 6,000 acres in Sitampet in Srikakulam for cultivation of pineapple, cashew nut and turmeric.

He added that the produce of the company ranges from staples, cotton and fresh fruits to vegetables and herbs. The company’s projects are spread across 14 States, including Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Tie-up with NGOs

“Our model involves partnering with local non-governmental organisations in mobilising farmers and training them in organic agriculture,” Mr D.V. Raghavanand, National Sales Manager of the company, said.

It has around 400 products, which include mixed flours, differently milled rice, and process products such as ready to eat food, jams, pickles, masalas, nutrition bars and health drinks. It has three outlets under the brand name 24 Letter Mantra in Hyderabad, Pune and Bangalore and its products are available at Spencer outlets and other health food shops.