This Couple Is Taking Fresh, Hygeienic Meat To Consumers
From Make in India to Make in Odisha, the thrust for home-grown entrepreneurs, indigenous technology and creation of an eco-system that generates employment and boosts manufacturing activity has gained momentum in Odisha.
As the state gears up to holds its second ‘Make in Odisha’ Conclave, after success of the first edition two years ago, it has seen young and exciting minds leaving the confines of their cozy chambers and cushy jobs in big cities to work at the grassroots and bring in, not only social change but also successful business models.
Ahead of the mega conclave in November, My City Links brings to you the story of an entrepreneur from the state who left her comfortable job in a metro city and abroad to work closely with the communities.
Talk of agro-entrepreneurs in Odisha and the wide disparity is starkly visible, especially in the hinterland. For a state that has always sustained on agriculture, it is rare to see young entrepreneurs venture into agro-entrepreneurship or farming. But, there are a few with the impetus to leave a cushy, comfortable life and give back to their home state where there is an urgent need to bring about socio-economic changes in farming.
Revolutionising the meat retail industry in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts are Ambika Satpathy and her husband Sadanand, who decided to leave their jobs in New Delhi and return to Odisha to work in the meat industry. Their start-up ‘ZooFresh,’ a meat retail provides an assured market for rural producers while ensuring hygienic and healthy supply of meat products to consumers.
While Ambika worked as a financial analyst in the hospitality sector, her husband was employed by the Ministry of Defence in manufacturing and supply sector for eight years.
“We were bit by the entrepreneurial bug. So, we left our respective jobs to return to Odisha, and start our venture. Our experience in hospitality and manufacturing sector was an advantage for us. Food industry seemed a good option,” says Ambika.
ZooFresh Foods started as an integrated agribusiness with self-owned farms, network of tribal farmers, retail points and value-added products. “We wanted to provide unique and healthy food products and services to the consumers and also benefit the marginal tribal farmers,” says Ambika.
So, they started sourcing live fish, chicken and mushrooms from small tribal farmers and selling it in operating retail outlets. “The prices are at par with the market. We didn’t want to pressurise the consumers,” explains Ambika. However, the scope of work soon expanded and they have now ventured into piloting live fish sourcing and distribution in the state.
“We wanted to add technology to our business. So, we are in the process of designing specially curated vehicles, which would help us procure live fish and sell it to our customers. So, the fish would be alive when the customers get it! If we are able to do it, it would be a first of its kind in the state,” says Ambika.
The start-up which is already a success in Rayagada and Kalahandi has gained a lot of recognition. ZooFresh was selected among top 20 food startups at World Food India 2017 by Ministry of Food Processing Industries. It was also recognised by Startup India and Startup Odisha. Part of FSSAI’s Food Innovators Network, ZooFresh was one of the finalists for Ministry of Agriculture’s Agriculture Grand Challenge.
“Almost 97 per cent of Odisha is meat-eating. So, it is difficult to meet such high demands. Of course, we are planning to take ZooFresh to the entire state, but our first target is to reach the entire Western Odisha in a couple of years,” reveals Ambika.