While the use of chemical pesticides in India has been a growing concern and hot topic of discussion, chemical-free farming has brought new hope to local farmers. But there’s a gap in the market — customers need access to pure authentic organic food while organic farmers want better ways to reach consumers directly.

That’s why in 2017, Deepak Sabharwal and Narinder Sondhi started Earthy Tales, a community-driven brand that is removing chemicals and pesticides from farmlands by working with the farming community, ensuring that only poison-free food reaches the customers.

“Giving back to society is our driving force,” says Deepak.

Earthy Tales also seeks to eliminate middlemen to maximize farmer benefits, while educating consumers about the harmful effects of chemical-laden food and bringing more transparency about food sources.

The company started operations using WhatsApp and Facebook before moving to a functional website and delivery app. All their farmers are still connected to them through WhatsApp. They use the app to take orders, update delivery status, receive farm pictures, and share live updates to their customers using the Broadcast List feature. They also use it to give customers a glimpse into organic farmers’ lives by sharing live updates from farm visits, challenges faced by farmers, and the ill effects of eating chemical-laden food. Additionally, they train farmers via the app by sending tips on organic farming.

“WhatsApp has made businesses more humane, interactions more personalized, and customers closer to businesses”

The business has grown 100 percent over the last year and they were able to triple their business income using WhatsApp. According to Deepak, the app helps to build a good rapport in the early stages.

“WhatsApp has made businesses more humane, interactions more personalized, and customers closer to businesses,” he says.

Today, Earthy Tales serves fresh organically grown produce to over 500 families in the Delhi-National Capital Region.

“By adopting chemical-free farming,” says Deepak, “we are returning to our roots and encouraging healthy living.”