In a conversation with Mr. Tarun Prajapati, Co-Founder & Managing Director – Cultivator Natural Products Pvt. Ltd. How technology assist in sustainable, organic and regenerative farming
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Mr. Tarun Prajapati, Co-Founder & Managing Director – Cultivator Natural Products Pvt. Ltd.
Q: When and where was the business established? Can you tell us more about Cultivator’s?
A: In 1988, Cultivator’s was established in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The term “Cultivator” describes a holistic outlook that achieves the perfect harmony between nature and life. The vision of my father, Mr. Narayan Das Prajapati, and 35 years of rigorous efforts and dedication have made us able to earn the faith and trust of consumers across the world. Through ground-breaking discoveries and the development of Ayurveda-based products, Cultivator’s now holds one of the top positions in Research and Development, Processing, and Manufacturing of herbs, botanicals, spices, organic cosmetics, and herbal ingredients. Today, when it comes to private labelling, contract manufacturing, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), original design manufacturing (ODM), and single-point turnkey solutions, we are the most dependable partner for international cosmeceutical and nutraceutical companies.
Q: What are your key USPs? What distinguishes you from the competition in the market?
A: Our perseverance, patience, and persistence in developing world-class processing facilities with some of the distinguishing features make us a unique organization that has the resources, potential, knowledge, and wisdom to facilitate the global market with the best herbs & botanicals. Our state-of-the-art processing facilities are as per GMP standards and have all the necessary accreditations. We have developed our own in-house Research & Development laboratory, which is the first of its kind in North-Western India. We are also the pioneers in regenerative organic farming with Fair for Life certification.
Q: What is your business model and what is the role of technology in your business?
A: We primarily deal in the Business-to-Business vertical, wherein we provide bulk herbs and spices, along with private labelling and contract manufacturing services to companies across the world. Now, we have also entered the B2C and D2C segments in the Indian market. Technology has a huge role in our cradle-to-grave cycle. Consider the distribution of organic seeds and geotagging of farms and also think about the end consumers who are sitting in the comfort of their homes ordering our products online. This complete production, processing, and manufacturing cycle are empowered through technology.
Q: What technological tools do Cultivator’s use in processing & manufacturing? Share details about the advanced technology used by the company
A: We are the only company in our sector that is US FDA audited and EU GMP Compliant Pharmaceutical Clean-Room facility to process organic herbs, botanicals, supplements and cosmetics. We have the most advanced setups of equipment and machinery in our processing units. Technology plays a pivotal role in our processing facility. We also have a unique automated raw material processing system that turns organic waste into manure. This is further distributed to our organic farmers. We have over 2000 MT capacity-controlled- warehouses for management of the organic produce. We have also used geo-tagging technology in making our products trustable, traceable, and tangible.
Q: Cultivators is rapidly moving towards Carbon Neutrality? What technology support you are creating to achieve that?
A: Every action is performed in the context of our larger vision. We at Cultivator’s support sustainable development, which entails wise resource utilization without endangering the environment. Our Fair for Life and Fair Wild certification is proof that we are devoted to safeguarding our future generations. One of the most well-liked sources of carbon-neutral, eco-friendly renewable energy is solar electricity. 90% of the electricity we used in our processing units is produced by the solar panels that we have installed. We have also installed solar plants at our farms spread across India. We monitor our carbon footprints & GHG emissions per international standards.
Q: Have you ever faced any business challenges, if yes then how did you overcome them?
A: One of the biggest challenges we have faced and are still facing is to make consumers aware of the advantages of organic products. We also want consumers to know the importance of Ayurveda. We want the world to know how well Ayurveda works for overall health and wellness. We are also using social media to explain the adverse effects of chemical products on the human body and the environment. Consumer awareness is the only way ahead to a sustainable future.
Q: How do you envision the company five years from now? What is your future for the company?
A: To build a future based on sustainability, and traceability, while keeping the highest standards of quality, that is “fair for farmers, fair for the environment, fair for society, and fair for consumers.” We invest internationally through enhancing technological upgradation to give our clients pure herbal products and the best organics. Cultivator’s workplace culture is permeated with the powerful idea that “Learning isn’t just something to get through; it’s a chance for a breakthrough.” In the coming time, envision being a global leader in the production and processing of herbs and botanicals. We also aim to be the best organic cosmetic brand in the world facilitating true-to-life products.
