Beyond the Market: Our Mission and Travels
Clean food is more than a grocery run; it is a movement. Join me on my travels as I learn from farmers across India to build a healthier, local food ecosystem right here in Gurgaon.
A visit to Solitude Farm in Auroville with Krishna Mckenzie, exploring their farm-to-table cafe and the philosophy of eating what nature provides.
A detailed walkthrough of the market that also discusses our philosophy on supporting integrated farms over industrial dairy for products like ghee.
A tour of the market that also touches upon the importance of a local food ecosystem and the joy of eating clean, tasty food.
A passionate commentary on the rising AQI in Delhi and the link between industrial agriculture, stubble burning, and the climate crisis.
A video of Krishna McKenzie cooking with fresh produce from our market, showing the connection between good ingredients and good food.
An infographic from WebMD about the "Dirty Dozen," with a note on how we ensure the produce at our market is safe and chemical-free.
A video dedicated to the health benefits and versatility of celery, one of my favorite superfoods.
A thoughtful post discussing the pricing of organic food, differentiating between "expensive" and "unaffordable."
An infographic explaining why we emphasize building a 'Local Clean Food Ecosystem'.
An infographic detailing how we ensure the food at the market is organic and free from harmful chemicals.
About Beyond the Market (Our Mission & Travels)
It is not just about what you buy; it is about why you buy it. When you see me posting videos from a farm in Auroville or questioning the industrial food system, it is because I am on a yatra to learn how we can bring that same wisdom to your kitchen. I do not just sell vegetables; I want to show you exactly how your food is grown, who grows it, and why this shift to local is the only way forward for our health and our soil.
My work at the Gurgaon Organic Farmers Market starts long before the stalls open on Sunday mornings. The market is just the final stop of a much larger journey—a, yatra, if you will—across India. I travel to learn from farmers who are doing incredible work in sustainable farming, regenerative agriculture, and integrated farm design. When I meet someone like Krishna McKenzie in Auroville, I am not just having a conversation; I am collecting nuggets of wisdom to bring back to our community in Gurgaon.
We often talk about the 'dirty dozen'—those high-risk crops that are heavily sprayed with chemicals. My mission is to ensure that everything you find in our market is not just 'organic' by label, but verified by traceability. I want you to know the person who grew your spinach, why the soil quality matters, and how local food miles affect the nutrition of your daily meals.
This is not about activism for the sake of it. It is about a fundamental shift in how we relate to what we eat. We are battling the 'cheat wave' of industrial food that prioritizes profit over nutrition. By creating a, local food ecosystem, we are taking control back. Whether it is through my Center of Local Excellence, our workshops, or just a simple conversation at the market, I am here to help you make informed choices. If you have questions about our chemical-free produce, the ethics of our dairy, or how to start composting at home, let’s talk. This is our collective, pajama-chappal space to build a better future, one meal at a time.
Manas
Hi, I am Manas. I have been hosting the Gurgaon Organic Farmers Market for over a decade, but my work starts long before Sunday morning. Whether I am visiting a farm in Auroville or speaking up about local soil health, I am constantly learning so we can bring the best, cleanest produce to your kitchen.
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