Basillia Organics, A Millet Startup by Mother-Son Duo Gets Applauded by PM Modi

The PM Kisan Samman Sammelan 2022, a two-day exhibition event was held on the PUSA Mela grounds of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) on 17th and 18th October 2022, in New Delhi, during which, more than 1500 agricultural startups showcased their products and innovation associated with precision farming, allied agriculture, advanced farming solutions, technology for farmers, organic waste to valuable wealth conversions as well as Agri-logistics. 

During the Pusa Krishi Mela Maida Conclave, Basillia Organics, a millet startup venture led by the mother and son duo, Sharmila Oswal and her son Shubham Oswal, was applauded among the top performing startup ventures and appreciated for their work by PM Narendra Modi. The mother and son duo are social entrepreneurs working towards the delivery of nutritional security as well as assisting the health and social agenda of the country.

This startup was one of the top-performing startup organizations that were shortlisted for a special proximity pass to meet up and interact with the Prime Minister of India. Due to a time constraint, PM Modi was only able to interact with about five startups during the event. 

Yet again, he seemed to be intrigued by the innovations and solutions put forward by the Agritech millet venture, eventually going out of his way to spend more time with the organization’s leading features and solutions. Because the organization was led primarily by female farmers and female entrepreneurs, PM Modi wished to learn more about the products and the production process. 

There is no doubt that millets form an important part of the primary diet in India. Jowar and Bajra are some of the millets that are produced in massive quantities. These are primarily used in khichdi which can sound quite uninteresting. 

However, this millet start-up venture produces products like millet pasta, millet noodles, millet popcorn, and other millet snacks, replacing unhealthy meals, so that you can enjoy guilt-free munchings at any time! Because the youth and future generations of our country are mainly attracted to junk food, this could hurt the overall health status. Therefore, to avoid this problem, the startup company led by the mother-son duo strived forward for a cause to bring in advanced organic solutions. 

PM Narendra Modi appreciated the production process of various products and also motivated the Agritech startup organization to export their produce to foreign markets. Indeed, it wouldn’t be wrong to conclude that the women farmers of the millet venture have changed the entire potential phase of millet by introducing products that are tasty and healthy at the same time. India will soon be hosting their Global Millet Session during the International Year of Millets 2023, and such a contribution could bring numerous benefits to the economy of today. 

The Agri Startup Conclave was mainly held to assist top-performing agriculture startup companies in gaining more knowledge and information about the agricultural world of today, out of which, the mother and son duo startup venture was applauded for their contribution. The platform also facilitated the interaction between startup companies and agri-experts.

Stakeholders also joined the discussions during the technical sessions that were held. Considering the economy of India, numerous policymakers also gave their word regarding the role of startup companies and how their flourishing contributions would have a positive impact on India and other parts of the world. 

The world today consumes more junk food, which is one of the main reasons for the arising number of health problems associated with diabetes and high cholesterol. If this food is replaced by edibles based on millet, it could lead to a major decrease in the number of health problems. It has also been scientifically proven that millets assist in the reversal of diabetes, besides being a major source of energy. 

Since the Millet year is approaching, the millet venture believes that this great initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture has got them geared up for new beginnings. Besides, PM Modi’s appreciative nature and blessings have motivated female farmers of the start-up venture to go forward with their plan of ideas in leading a sustainable livelihood.

By striving forward in the agricultural field, the millet startup company looks forward to fulfilling the new millet mission of India! As Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture quoted, “If you want to move forward in the agriculture field, then you have to identify the challenges and overcome them”, and therefore, this mother-and-son duo startup venture is sure to motivate people to start a sustainable livelihood through the India Millet Mission!