Milestones

1994: The Hare Krishna Nature Farm is established at Mahadevapura, in Mandya district, about 25km from Mysore

1998 : Concept shop, Organic Lifestyle, opened in Bangalore and Mysore, selling organic products under the brand name, ‘Dharani’ (Mother Earth).

1999: Initiative made to export organic products like vanilla, black pepper and sugar

2001: Eco-Agri Research Foundation Trust, a non-profit organization, established as a Charitable Trust, registered under the Charitable Trust Act with a registered office in Mysore

2004 : Fairtrade Certification and Organic Certification programme for Vanilla Projects launched with South Canara Vanilla Small Farmers Association, North Canara Vanilla Small Farmers Association, Malnad Vanilla Small Farmers Association and Western Ghats Vanilla Farmers Association as beneficiaries

2005 : Introducing Royal Indian Vanilla in the international market. Vanilla contributes considerably to the social and economic empowerment of rural women in India

2006: Launch of BASIL Academy for training farmers, field technicians and audit inspectors