Organic food now within your budget

A few years ago, one had to go hunting to high-end malls or supermarkets to get certified organic food products. And while shopping, one would burn a hole in the pocket. But we have come a long way and the situation has changed for good. Divya Sethi reports.

A few years ago, one had to go hunting to high-end malls or supermarkets to get certified organic food products. And while shopping, one would burn a hole in the pocket. But we have come a long way and the situation has changed for good.

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Latest market rates show a marginal difference in the prices of normal and organic food that offers pesticide-free and healthier option. With more awareness, local consumers, too, have developed a preference for organic nutritious food.

While organic food is a boon for the health conscious, there is no dearth of options with several outlets coming up in Gurgaon. Rajesh Yadav, CEO, Organic Farms Market, which opened two shops at DLF Phase 4 and Galleria Market in two months owing to high demand, said, “We were amazed with the response of residents. Nearly 150-200 people shop with us every day, which indicates their desire to consume organic food.”

Advit Foundation, which runs an energy park in Leisure Valley, Gurgaon, came up with a unique idea to promote organic eating. Their cafe called ‘Roots’ boasts of a menu offering wide range of delicacies prepared with organic ingredients.

The energy park hosts a special weekend organic food market on a regular basis. Manpreet Bajaj, the organiser, said, "I have been running this market for the past two years. As production has increased, the prices have gone down. Earlier, farmers had no motivation to grow the special variety, but now they understand the growing demand.”