We are exposed to several external factors in logistics between the farm and city and intra city as well. That is why we have not been able to pinpoint delivery time at the time of order check out.

Post payment, we shall be in touch with you real time to avoid any disconnect between expectation and reality. Please checkhttps://badabonharvest.bio/delivery-locations/

While the probability is very high that you will, there is always the odd chance of demand exceeding production in a particular week. Since we produce straight from the field and that too, only from selected farms who have adjusted to the organic way of cultivation to our satisfaction, the inventory count is not accurate as on date. This is particularly true for non-regular items and for a specific cultivar (eg., long purple brinjal not being available but long green brinjal being available on a day).

However, we have initiated a digitization process to establish farm level inventory through the entire production cycle to improve on the probability of quick match between demand and supply. This will take some time to have its effect.

Trust established through personal experiences:

– We have observed and our patrons have confirmed that our produce has a much longer shelf life after delivery; needs lesser amount for consumption and tastes a whole lot better.

– We have hardly any floating patrons. Almost all are regular home buyers and many consumers are senior citizens who vouch for the quality taste that remind them of the food they had in their childhood.

– Badabon Harvest is a transparent program of independent farmer connect with consumers. We have initiated a source authentication process connecting the geo tagged farms through the entire cultivation cycle and supply chain down to delivery at your door step.It is in an early stage of implementation and daily quality checks are carried out at farm levels by BFIG (Badabon Farmer Interest Groups)

– You can meet the farmer that produces your food. We will be happy to facilitate the logistics if you may bear the costs of the visit. We are yet to develop off the shelf farm visit schedules. This needs to be customized for your specific requirement at the moment. Do let us know.

We feel these are better parameters of true evaluation of a chemical and pesticide free production environment, both from a cost and monitoring perspective than an item-wise formal certification process. You are part of the collective quality management process and a key stakeholder.

However, honey is an item that require a different approach and we have full compliance through a PGS INDIA Organic Certification status for Honey.

Yes!

We are in the process of implementing a technology tool for fool proof source authentication using blockchain and QR code at your end for traceability. It is a detailed activity and will take some time for 360 degree coverage of the cycle.

However, at this stage, we can use the information from the tool in some cases and manually otherwise, to identify the individual producer of the farmer cluster BFIG (Badabon Farmers Interest Group) for your identification purposes and in many cases, you can go down to meet the farmer or can speak to him on phone.

So far, we have scored well but there is no room for complacency.

We are in a path of continuous improvement of our process, using latest technology for agriculture, without losing our focus on organic approach. We use minimal machines and sensitive to redundant use of fuel and plastic.

This approach may sometime lead to early spoils like eggs in summer or delivery of bananas which may not have either ripened fully or over ripe. Such instances can be identified easily.

We may be a farmers’ collective but we take our tiny business very seriously. Just let us know the issue with produce and some pictures if possible and we shall refund the money or replace the item, as per your preference.

We buy only from farms enlisted with us that go through regular checks and balances on use of fertilizers and pest management. This results in a large number of rejections at village level.

Secondly, our procurement is only from the Sundarban delta and currently many items that you may need are not grown there.

Markets are key to our success and we are constantly engaging with farmers to enlist more farms and also engaging with knowledge experts in biodiversity, agroecology and regenerative organic agriculture to try increase the basket of produce sustainably without disturbing the fragile ecology of the mangroves.

Well, if you would let us know your location and if there is a sizeable interest from households, we would love to deliver at your address. We continuously note interest from current non deliverable locations. Meanwhile, please check https://badabonharvest.bio/delivery-locations/

Our initiative is open for participation from civil society and we would be delighted to support any interest to further broaden the distribution across Kolkata. Do reach out to us at https://badabonharvest.bio/contact-us/

Our business is that of a profit-making social enterprise. We buy only from small and marginal farmers who practice organic way of cultivation and within that, our focus is restricted to Sundarban. But we would be happy to use our network for any fitment if you are following good agricultural practices.

Our present supply chain is around free-range eggs from backyard poultry, wild forest honey, some non-perishables, fruits and vegetables. You are right that those items are abundantly available and are of excellent quality.

Let us know what you need and maybe our conversation will take us to developing a new portfolio of fresh produce.

Yes, you can by prior appointment preferably in winter, at a reasonable cost. The money again, will go to the farmers directly.

Yes, you can, subject to certain terms. Happy us discuss.

Certified organic products are those which have been produced, stored, processed, handled and marketed in accordance with precise technical specifications (standards) and certified as “organic” by a certification body. Once a certification body has verified conformity with organic standards, the product can be labeled as such. This label will differ depending on the certification body, but can be taken as an assurance that the essential elements constituting an “organic” product have been met from the farm to the market. It is important to note that an organic label applies to the production process, ensuring that the product has been produced and processed in an ecologically sound manner. The organic label is therefore a production process claim as opposed to a product quality claim.

The label. An organic label indicates that a product has been certified against specific organic standards. The label carries the name of the certification body and the standards with which it complies. To the informed consumer, this label can function as a guide. Certification bodies evaluate operations according to different organic standards and can be formally recognized by more than one authoritative body. The label of a given certification body, therefore, informs the consumer on the type of standards complied with during production and processing as well as on the type of recognition granted to the certification body. Many certification bodies operate worldwide, are private and originate in developed countries.

International voluntary standards. At the international level the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (the inter-governmental body that sets standards for all foods) has produced international guidelines for Production, Processing, Labeling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods to guide producers and to protect consumers against deception and fraud. These guidelines have been agreed upon by all member states of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The private sector’s equivalent to the Codex Alimentarius guidelines is the International Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing, created by IFOAM. Codex Alimentarius and IFOAM guidelines include accepted management principles for the production of plants, livestock, bees and their products (IFOAM makes provisions also for fibers, aquaculture and non-wood forest products); for handling, storage, processing, packaging and transportation of products, and a list of substances permitted in the production and processing of organic foods. These guidelines are regularly reviewed, particularly the criteria for permitted substances and the process by which inspection is carried out and certification held.

National mandatory standards. The Codex Alimentarius and IFOAM guidelines are minimum standards for Organic Agriculture, intended to guide governments and private certification bodies in standard setting. As such, they can be considered as standards for standards. Governments can use these texts to develop national Organic Agriculture programs, which are often more detailed as they respond to specific country needs. Most national standards (e.g. EU countries, Japan, Argentina, India, Tunisia USA), are specified in regulations which are legally binding. Local voluntary standards. In some countries (e.g. Germany), individual certification bodies may produce their own standards, which can be more stringent than the regulation in force, usually in response to specific consumer demands. Although these are not legally enforceable, private certifiers may be more restrictive than is required by law.

Accreditation. Accreditation is a procedure by which an authoritative body evaluates and gives formal recognition that a certification program is in accordance with the standards of the authoritative body. For Organic Agriculture, certification bodies can apply the voluntary international standards and/or the national mandatory standards and be accredited by the related “authority”. At international level, the International Organic Accreditation Service (IOAS) accredits certification bodies according to IFOAM Accreditation Programme criteria by delivering the “IFOAM Accredited” logo. IOAS is an independent NGO that ensures global equivalency of certification programs and attempts to harmonize standards, taking into consideration local differences. It must be noted that membership of IFOAM by certifying bodies does not constitute IOAS accreditation. At the national level, governments or national accreditation bodies accredit certification bodies operating in their country, if their country has Organic Agriculture legislation. Both private and public bodies adhere to the International Organization for Standardization basic standards for accreditation of certifiers (ISO 65) in addition to their specific requirements.

It is actually a misconcpetion that organic food is more expensive than conventional. Overall, the cost to society of producing food organically is significantly lower than the cost of conventional production. For one, the price of conventional food is artificially lowered by production-oriented subsidies drawn from taxpayer money. Also, negative externalities caused by conventional farming are not accounted for in the price of food.

However, consumers in countries with well developed organic sectors do pay a premium for organic goods, mainly because of higher consumer demand, more rigorous production standards, and the costs of certification, among other reasons. This organic premium is declining somewhat due to increasing economies of scale in the processing and commercialization of organic products

In developing countries the situation is quite different: uncertified organic food is generally cheaper to produce and sold at the same price as conventional food. This is because Organic Agriculture increases the productivity of the total farm agro-ecosystem and reduces the amount of purchased external inputs needed.

Across the globe, money invested in organic is money well invested. In addition to the direct environmental benefits Organic Agriculture provides, it reduces farm costs in the long-term by increasing soil fertility, ensures animal welfare, protects farmers against dangerous pesticide exposure and contributes to rural development by generating additional farm employment and fair incomes.

Sustainability over the long term. Many changes observed in the environment are long term, occurring slowly over time. Organic Agriculture considers the medium- and long-term effect of agricultural interventions on the agro-ecosystem. It aims to produce food while establishing an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems. Organic Agriculture takes a proactive approach as opposed to treating problems after they emerge.

Soil. Soil building practices such as crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations, cover crops, organic fertilizers and minimum tillage are central to organic practices. These encourage soil fauna and flora, improving soil formation and structure and creating more stable systems. In turn, nutrient and energy cycling is increased and the retentive abilities of the soil for nutrients and water are enhanced, compensating for the non-use of mineral fertilizers. Such management techniques also play an important role in soil erosion control. The length of time that the soil is exposed to erosive forces is decreased, soil biodiversity is increased, and nutrient losses are reduced, helping to maintain and enhance soil productivity. Farm-derived renewable resources usually compensate crop export of nutrients but it is sometimes necessary to supplement organic soils with potassium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium and trace elements from external sources.

Water. In many agriculture areas, pollution of groundwater courses with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides is a major problem. As the use of these is prohibited in Organic Agriculture, they are replaced by organic fertilizers (e.g. compost, animal manure, green manure) and through the use of greater biodiversity (in terms of species cultivated and permanent vegetation), enhancing soil structure and water infiltration. Well managed organic systems with better nutrient retentive abilities, greatly reduce the risk of groundwater pollution. In some areas where pollution is a real problem, conversion to Organic Agriculture is highly encouraged as a restorative measure (e.g. by the Governments of France and Germany).

Air. Organic Agriculture reduces non-renewable energy use by decreasing agrochemical needs (these require high quantities of fossil fuel to be produced). Organic Agriculture contributes to mitigating the greenhouse effect and global warming through its ability to sequester carbon in the soil. Many management practices used by Organic Agriculture (e.g. minimum tillage, returning crop residues to the soil, the use of cover crops and rotations, and the greater integration of nitrogen-fixing legumes), increase the return of carbon to the soil, raising productivity and favoring carbon storage.

Biodiversity. Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at all levels. At the gene level, traditional and adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater resistance to diseases and their resilience to climatic stress. At the species level, diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient and energy cycling for agricultural production. At the ecosystem level, the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife. The frequent use of under-utilized species (often as rotation crops to build soil fertility) reduces erosion of agro-biodiversity, creating a healthier gene pool – the basis for future adaptation. The provision of structures providing food and shelter, and the lack of pesticide use, attract new or re-colonizing species to the organic area (both permanent and migratory), including wild flora and fauna (e.g. birds) and organisms beneficial to the organic system such as pollinators and pest predators.

Genetically modified organisms. The use of GMOs within organic systems is not permitted during any stage of organic food production, processing or handling. As the potential impact of GMOs to both the environment and health is not entirely understood, Organic Agriculture is taking the precautionary approach and choosing to encourage natural biodiversity. The organic label therefore provides an assurance that GMOs have not been used intentionally in the production and processing of the organic products. This is something that cannot be guaranteed in conventional products, as labeling the presence of GMOs in food products has not yet come into force in most countries.

Ecological services. The impact of Organic Agriculture on natural resources favors interactions within the agro-ecosystem that are vital for both agricultural production and nature conservation. Ecological services derived include soil forming and conditioning, soil stabilization, waste recycling, carbon sequestration, nutrients cycling, predation, pollination and habitats. By opting for organic products, the consumer through his/her purchasing power promotes a less polluting agricultural system. The hidden costs of agriculture to the environment in terms of natural resource degradation are reduced.

Food security. Nourishing everyone is not foremost a question of the ability to produce food, but rather of the ability to access food. Global food production has long far exceeded what is needed by the global population; the real problem is one of fair distribution. Hunger is due to social, economic and political conditions rather than limitations on agricultural productive capacity. Organic Agriculture can help farmers increase food security by:

• decreasing dependence on external inputs and food distribution systems over which they have little control
• reducing the likelihood of a production drop or yield failure through crop diversification
• outperforming conventional agricultural systems under conditions of environmental stress.

Organic Agriculture and yields. Global yields in Organic Agriculture are at most 20% lower than in conventional agriculture in specific cases. In fact, many multiple cropping systems, such as those developed by smallholders and subsistence farmers, even show higher yields in terms of total harvest per unit area. These yield advantages have been attributed to more efficient use of nutrients, water and light and a combination of other factors such as the introduction of new regenerative elements into the farm (e.g. legumes) and fewer losses resulting from pests and diseases.

Furthermore, Organic Agriculture has a unique ability to reverse processes of soil degredation and desertification and help safeguard the world’s production potential.

Organic Agriculture is based upon a systematic approach and standards that can be verified and are recognized internationally. Natural foods, on the other hand, have no legal definition or recognition, and are not based on a systematic approach. While natural products may generally be minimally processed, there are no requirements to provide proof, leaving open the possibility for fraud and misuse of the term.

Organic farmers build healthy soil. Organic matter in soil contributes to good soil structure and water-retention capacity. Organic farmers increase organic matter in soil through the use of cover crops, compost and biologically based soil amendments, producing healthy disease and insect resistant plants. Organic agriculture emphasizes good plant nutrition, which is key to the prevention of plant diseases. Organic farmers use cover crops and sophisticated crop rotations to improve ecological relationships in the field. Weeds are controlled through crop rotation, mulching, cover crops, hand weeding, and mechanical methods such as flame weeding and other methods. Organic farmers also rely on diverse populations of soil organisms, beneficial insects, and birds to keep pests under control.

The use of synthetic fertilizers is not allowed in Organic Agriculture because they disrupt natural cycles, pollute the environment through runoff and accelerate climate change — just for starters.

Chemically intensive farming methods can produce short-term benefits for farmers, but they result in the degradation of soil over time, increasing the susceptibility of plants to pests and diseases and requiring ever greater applications of fertilizer in the long-run. The use of organic methods, by contrast, supplies nutrients to plants in a steady manner and nurtures the soil at the same time, keeping farm systems resilient. Traditional methods of fertilizing, like recycling biomass (composting) and planting legumes – peas, beans and other plants – have thus stood the test of time. Find out more about soil and its importance for food security.

But synthetic fertilizers do not just have a negative impact on farmers and soil. A major global problem that has resulted from the use of synthetic fertilizers is the dangerous growth of algae in lakes and water reservoirs. Harmful algal blooms are increasingly appearing due to the exposure of particular algae to the nitrogen in synthetic fertilizers, which enters waterways via farm runoff. Algal blooms deplete oxygen in the water and block the sunlight that other organisms need to live, disrupting aquatic ecosystems everywhere in fundamental ways.

Finally, the production of synthetic fertilizers also uses large amounts of energy. This energy is derived from the burning of fossil fuels, which in turn threatens agricultural systems by worsening climate change. Find out more about agriculture and climate change.

Government subsidies narrowly focusing on production at the exclusion of other goods – such as resource conservation, environmental quality and farmer and animal health – provide incentives for farmers to stick to conventional farming methods. Likewise, currently very little public support is allocated for research into Organic Agriculture and capacity building.

Organic Agriculture requires a unique combination of knowledge, experience and intuition. Farmers need a holistic understanding especially of the soil ecosystem in order to be successful, and building this knowledge base is more time-consuming than purchasing synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Given appropriate allocation of resources for organic research and extension, Organic Agriculture would become more attractive to farmers.

Finally, land tenure remains a key constraint to the growth of Organic Agriculture. An individual is not likely to invest in improving the land if his/her future stewarship of it is not secure.