Parth Verma: From Byju’s Business Development Manager to CEO and Founder of Krishi Essentials

In the competitive world of entrepreneurship, every journey begins with a spark—a realization that drives a person to take control of their destiny. For Parth Verma, that moment came after three years of relentless work as a Business Development Manager at Byju’s, where he was earning a lucrative salary of 16.32 LPA. Yet, despite the financial rewards, Parth felt something was missing. The long hours and grueling workload left him with little time for himself or his family. Observing his senior colleagues enjoying greater rewards for less effort, Parth began to ponder: why not invest the same energy into his own venture?

The Birth of Krishi Essentials

Krishi Essentials, though a young startup with just 4-5 months in the business, has quickly carved out a niche for itself in the organic grocery sector. The company operates with a small but dedicated team of two employees, focusing on direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales. Their product lineup includes brown sugar, jaggery powder, jaggery cubes, multiflora honey, A2 Gir cow desi ghee, millets, pulses, rice, edible oils, and other essential grocery items. The brand’s commitment to quality and natural farming practices sets it apart in a market often dominated by large, certified organic brands.

A Business Built on Honesty

What truly distinguishes Krishi Essentials is its commitment to honesty. Parth’s philosophy is simple yet profound—work only with farmers who genuinely care about the land and the food they produce. These farmers, often unable to afford expensive organic certifications, nonetheless adhere to organic practices using biofertilizers and other natural methods. Parth’s decision to support these farmers stems from his belief that true organic farming goes beyond certifications—it’s about integrity and respect for nature.

Parth emphasizes that honesty is not just a marketing gimmick but the cornerstone of his business. “Today, there are farmers in India practicing organic farming, but they cannot afford the certification norms of the Indian government,” Parth explains. “So, it’s my responsibility to support them.”

Overcoming Challenges in the Indian Market

However, Parth’s journey has not been without challenges. One of the most significant hurdles he faced was the high cost of organic certifications in India. For farmers, the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) certification costs around ₹18,000 plus allowances for inspecting officers per year. For traders like Parth, the expense balloons to approximately ₹35,900 annually, covering registration, inspection, scope, and approval charges. These recurring costs have forced Parth to reconsider his approach. “If I sell brown sugar under the ‘organic’ category, I might get ₹250-300 per kg. But now, without the certification, I can only sell it for ₹149-260 per kg,” he laments.

Refusing to compromise his principles by selling uncertified products as organic, Parth has chosen to market his goods under the “natural” category. This decision reflects his commitment to transparency and consumer trust, even at the cost of potential profits.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Future Growth

Despite these challenges, Parth remains optimistic about the future of Krishi Essentials. He recognizes the growing demand for natural and organic products, particularly in metro cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi, where busy lifestyles and high internet penetration drive online grocery shopping. Parth plans to expand his business by focusing on these urban markets, as well as Tier 2 and 3 areas like Ahmedabad, Surat, Kolkata, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand, where online grocery shopping is gaining traction.

Currently, Krishi Essentials sells its products on Amazon and through a retail counter in Kota, Rajasthan. Parth is also exploring opportunities to develop a franchise model, launch a dedicated website, and create a mobile application to reach a broader audience. His long-term goal is to stick with the D2C business model, ensuring that customers receive the freshest products directly from the farm to their table.

A Commitment to Quality

Quality assurance is another pillar of Krishi Essentials’ success. Parth and his team go to great lengths to ensure that the products they sell meet the highest standards. This process begins with careful selection of farmers, who are thoroughly vetted through on-site visits and lab tests of their produce. By maintaining this rigorous quality control process, Parth ensures that his customers receive products that are not only natural and pure but also genuinely beneficial for their health.

Lessons from an Entrepreneur

Parth’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of self-belief and perseverance. His background in sales at Byju’s provided him with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the competitive world of business. However, it is his commitment to honesty, quality, and supporting small farmers that truly sets him apart.

Parth offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “If you understand your product COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) well, you will know the pricing well. But if you know the COGS of COGS well, then you will be unbeatable,” he quotes Dr. Vellumani, founder of Thyrocare.

For Parth, the key to success lies in building a strong, honest team. “When you’re forming a team, in the early days, keep your eyes wide open to evaluate them. But as the business grows, you’ll need to trust them with your eyes half-closed,” he advises.

Conclusion

In just a few months, Parth Verma has transformed his vision into a reality, creating a brand that resonates with consumers seeking authenticity in their grocery products. While Krishi Essentials is still in its infancy, the company’s foundation is built on strong values, a clear market strategy, and an unwavering commitment to quality. As Parth continues to grow his business, he remains focused on his ultimate goal—to provide honest, natural, and pure products that benefit both consumers and the farmers who produce them. In a market often clouded by certifications and marketing gimmicks, Krishi Essentials stands out as a beacon of integrity, driven by a founder who truly understands the importance of honesty in every aspect of his business.