Madhu Chandan SC — CEO

Madhu Chandan, the brain behind Organic Mandya, had a successful software career in California. His frequent trips to Bangalore, where his company's R&D centre resided, unveiled a striking revelation. The faces he encountered during his commute, hailed from his hometown, Mandya. What struck his conscience was the influx of the youth from farming families, driven to urban life due to agricultural struggles they faced. Venturing back to Mandya, Madhu was confronted with a disheartening reality – a surge in youth migration to big cities for employment, dwindling life expectancy and a haunting surge in farmer suicides. Delving into the core issue, Madhu envisioned a radical transformation for Mandya. With conviction, he uprooted his life in the US and relocated to Mandya. Madhu's critical observation exposed the adverse effects of chemical-based farming on the community. Traditional farming skills were not being practised, farmers turned consumers of chemical-laden produce, and health ailments previously unknown in rural areas became rampant. The time had come to rewrite this narrative. Madhu aimed to revolutionise farming and consumption habits while ensuring farmers received their rightful recognition. He dreamt of a future where farmers achieved self-sustainability, cultivated organic produce in their own lands, and embraced the benefits of natural farming. Thus, Organic Mandya was born and emerged as a beacon of change! In 2014, Madhu organised discussions with local farmers and introduced them to the principles of organic farming. He focussed on the use of natural methods such as Jeevamritha, along with natural pest repellants like buttermilk and neem spray, incorporating age-old techniques like multi-cropping, crop rotation and companion planting. Focussing on the potential positive impact on both health and wealth, Madhu gained interest among farmers. This spontaneous gathering evolved into a structured initiative, marked by Madhu's compelling weekly sessions. The increasing participation culminated in the establishment of the Mandya Organic Farmers Co-operative Society. The very first inaugural Organic Mandya Board Meeting, led by Madhu, took place at a tea stall in a Mandya, showcasing the grassroots and communal spirit of the endeavour. Organic Mandya originated as the marketing wing dedicated to bolstering the Mandya Organic Farmers Co-Operative Society. What began as a modest and humble movement has transformed into a crucial lifestyle for numerous Mandya farmers, with a growing community of enthusiasts embracing natural farming practices.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in sustainable agriculture and organic farming initiatives.

Location: Mandya, Karnataka, India

Experience: 25 yrs 6 mos