Two Brothers Organic Farms
Village Bodhani, Maharashtra
In a world dominated by corporate jobs and city life, the story of Satyajit and Ajinkya Hange, the founders of Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF), stands out as a testament to the enduring connection between humans and the land they come from. Their remarkable journey from high-paying corporate careers to organic farming entrepreneurs is nothing short of inspiring.
Satyajit and Ajinkya Hange were no strangers to the corporate world, with successful stints at Citibank and HSBC. Yet, their hearts longed for something different, something that would allow them to reconnect with their agricultural roots. Despite the urban allure of cities like Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Pune, the brothers felt an irresistible pull back to their ancestral village.
Their decision to leave behind their corporate lives and venture into organic farming was met with resistance from their own father, who believed that farming had become unsustainable and socially unacceptable. However, the brothers were undeterred by these challenges and decided to embrace their passion for farming while leveraging the business acumen they had acquired.
In 2014, the Hange brothers founded Two Brothers Organic Farms, an enterprise committed to producing organic products from seed to shelf. With inherited land and personal savings, they embarked on their journey. Their approach was simple yet groundbreaking: sustainable farming practices such as poly-cropping, natural manure, and fertilizers were at the core of their operations.
Over the years, their dedication bore fruit as they expanded their product line to include ghee, jaggery, moringa powder, flour, turmeric, and more. Their annual turnover reached an impressive Rs 12 crore by FY21.
What sets TBOF apart is not just its commitment to organic farming but also its global vision. Today, the brand's products are available across India and in 45 countries worldwide, reaching over 680 cities. The United States, New Zealand, Singapore, the Middle East, and Australia are among its top international markets. Initially launching on Shopify, the company has evolved to sell through its website and e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Their website attracts twice as much traction for their products, a testament to their direct-to-consumer approach.
TBOF's success isn't just about sales; it's also about creating a community. Social media has played a pivotal role in generating interest and traffic to their website. They regularly share blogs, videos, and posts about their farming activities, engaging with their audience and fostering a deeper connection.
The brand has even collaborated with schools in Pune to establish 'Organic Farming Clubs' and has trained approximately 9,000 farmers in various organic farming techniques. This commitment to community building sets them apart in a competitive market.
Despite the burgeoning competition in the organic food sector, Satyajit remains unfazed. He believes that most other brands in the market are mere aggregators and lack the deep understanding of farming that he and his brother possess. Having grown up in an agricultural environment, they understand the nuances of the sector like no one else.
Looking ahead, TBOF is on a mission to revolutionize the agricultural sector through technology. They are developing a weather station for fields, equipped with a SIM card to monitor moisture, wind speed, and pest attacks, sending real-time notifications to the team's mobile phones.
Furthermore, the company plans to implement ERP systems for data-driven decision-making in their day-to-day operations. They aim to debunk the misconception that farming isn't a lucrative career and even dream of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Two Brothers Organic Farms is more than just a business; it's a testament to the power of passion, sustainable farming, and community engagement. Satyajit and Ajinkya Hange have not only built a successful organic brand but have also contributed to the organic farming movement in India and beyond. Their journey serves as an inspiration for all those who dream of returning to their roots and building something extraordinary from the ground up.