Imagine a dairy brand where cows aren’t confined, milk is produced with uncompromising purity, and and where the focus isn’t just on profits but on building a better life for farmers and consumers. To talk more on the organic way of producing milk and others, Avni Raja from BusinessHook interviewed Shashi Kumar, co-founder, Akshayakalpa Organic to speak more on this.
What is akshayakalpa organic?
Akshayakalpa was founded in 2010, headquartered in Tiptur, Karnataka. Their aim? To change the way dairy farming is done by focusing on sustainability and organic practices
Humane Approach to Dairy Farming
Speaking to Shashi Kumar about the human approach, Kumar said at Akshayakalpa, the cows come first. Their well-being is a top priority. ''Cows have the freedom to move around, live stress-free, and always have access to fresh water and quality fodder''. He further added that from calf to cow, the care they receive is part of what makes Akshayakalpa’s dairy unique.
Challenges Faced
Kumar described Akshayakalpa’s journey as anything but smooth. "We set out to solve fundamental farming issues and create a stable income model for farmers, but building trust was a major challenge," he shared. He added that the company came close to shutting down several times, with securing external funding proving to be another significant hurdle.
Expansion Plans
Kumar shared that, for now, Akshayakalpa has no plans to expand beyond Karnataka. “Organic farming is a gradual process, and scaling requires careful oversight to maintain quality,” he explained.
Future of Food & Organic Farming
When asked about the future of organic farming, Kumar emphasized that consumer support is essential. “It’s not just about buying a product; it’s about supporting a system that benefits health, farmers, and the environment,” he noted.