Latest news with #OFM
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Discover native mango varieties in Chennai
The Organic Shandy, Mylapore Native mango varieties reign this year says organic farmer and co-founder of Organic Shandy, PB Murali. He adds that the mango season in Tamil Nadu has been quite the disaster so far, with farmers managing only about 20% of the expected yield. However, as they are all discovering, the heritage varieties are more resilient. At his farm in Madhuranthakam, near Chennai, the harvest from over 5,000 trees spread across 60 acres, was hit due to unexpected, unseasonal rains and thunderstorms two weeks ago. Despite the poor yield in the state, Murali's store stocks several types of mango, including Banganapalli, Imam Pasand, Malgova, Alphonso, Mallika, Pathiri, and Panchavarnam, the native variety from Rajapalayam. 'This year one of our farmers harvested a local variety called Yaanathalai (translating to elephant head), which is a huge fruit weighing over a kilogram,' he says. This pivot to finding, sourcing and cultivating native varieties has been observed across the state. Murali also points out that supply is abundant from neighbouring states. 'Prices have hence, come down this year,' says Murali. While you are shopping, also pick up their mango jam, pulp and milk shakes. Orders can be placed over the phone, with home delivery available across the city. The shop is open from 10am to 8pm, and is closed on Sundays. Phone: 7708612348. Organic Farmers Market, Adyar Despite the challenges this year, some native varieties appear to be more resilient to climate conditions. 'We have hence stocked a variety called Karunkurangu, which has a dark green and very thick skin, sourced from Dindigul, and we are trying to source more native varieties,' says Anantha Sayanan, co-founder, Organic Farmers Market (OFM). He notes that the Salem region, which usually has good yield, has also been affected by unseasonal rains. 'Salem, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, which are major mango-producing regions in the state, were the worst hit this year, due to unexpected rainfall during the flowering season. The season had a late start, and now we are dealing with significantly less yields,' he says. At OFM, they have Imam Pasand, Banganapali, Malgoa, Alphonso, Senthuram and small quantities of Kalapadi. As their mission is to support the farmers they work with, they keep margins low, making the produce affordable. OFM is open from 10am to 6pm. They also have additional stores in various locations within Chennai, apart from Adyar. To place your order, call 6380169943. Cholayil Farm to Table, Anna Nagar Susmera Cholayil, co-founder, Cholayil Farm to Table store, is left with over two tonnes of raw mangoes, that are not suitable for sales. 'The 85 acre, Cholayil mango grove at Vengal village in Tiruvallur, with around 900 trees and nearly 45 varieties of mango, has produced just 30% of its expected yield,' she says. She adds, 'We hope to harvest remaining fruits by the end of May. ' In the meantime, she is exploring ways to process the raw mangoes into pickles and solar-dried products. 'We are expecting an extended season this year, and gradually, all varieties at our farm will be harvested by next month and available for sale,' she says. Currently, they have stocked Banganapalli, Bengalura, Alphonso and more varieties such as Kalapadi, Swarnarekha, Neelam, Malgoa, Pathiri and Rasalu, will be stocked as and when it is harvested. The store is open from 10 am to 7 pm. To pre-book your mangoes, call 7550155005. Safe Foods, Thiruvanmiyur Gopi Devarajan, who founded Safe Foods, an organic store, brings over a decade of experience in sourcing organic food products. He says he primarily sources his mangoes from farmers in Tamil Nadu as well as from the border regions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. There has been moderate to poor yield in the Tiruvallur and Dindigul districts.'This year, the Banganapalli from Kadapa is particularly sweet, and I am looking forward to the arrival of native varieties such as Kalapadi, Nadusalai, and Sakkarakatti in a few weeks,' says Gopi. He observes that the mango season has been relatively good in the neighbouring southern states. At Safe Foods, the current stock includes Banganapalli, Imam Pasand, Senthuram, Malgoa, Alphonso, Javari, and Mallika. More varieties are expected to arrive during the first week of June. Mangoes can be prebooked between 11am to 8pm. Phone: 9790900887. reStore Organic Store, Kottivakkam At reStore, which sources mangoes from across Tamil Nadu, a wide range of varieties are currently available. These include Malgoa, Mallika, Kesar, Rasalu, Senthuram, Dasheri, Imam Pasand, Alphonso, Javari and Banganapalli are now available. 'Some farmers are yet to complete their harvest, so the mango season is likely to extend till August,' R Karthik, manager of the store, says. He is also looking forward to the arrival of native varieties such as Peether and Pathiri from Kanchipuram district. You can book your mangoes and get them home delivered. 10am to 7pm. Phone: 9840571842.
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
This year try a native mango variety, like Yaanathalai, Kalapadi or Nadusalai. Here is where you can find them in Chennai
The Organic Shandy, Mylapore Native mango varieties reign this year says organic farmer and co-founder of Organic Shandy, PB Murali. He adds that the mango season in Tamil Nadu has been quite the disaster so far, with farmers managing only about 20% of the expected yield. However, as they are all discovering, the heritage varieties are more resilient. At his farm in Madhuranthakam, near Chennai, the harvest from over 5,000 trees spread across 60 acres, was hit due to unexpected, unseasonal rains and thunderstorms two weeks ago. Despite the poor yield in the state, Murali's store stocks several types of mango, including Banganapalli, Imam Pasand, Malgova, Alphonso, Mallika, Pathiri, and Panchavarnam, the native variety from Rajapalayam. 'This year one of our farmers harvested a local variety called Yaanathalai (translating to elephant head), which is a huge fruit weighing over a kilogram,' he says. This pivot to finding, sourcing and cultivating native varieties has been observed across the state. Murali also points out that supply is abundant from neighbouring states. 'Prices have hence, come down this year,' says Murali. While you are shopping, also pick up their mango jam, pulp and milk shakes. Orders can be placed over the phone, with home delivery available across the city. The shop is open from 10am to 8pm, and is closed on Sundays. Phone: 7708612348. Organic Farmers Market, Adyar Despite the challenges this year, some native varieties appear to be more resilient to climate conditions. 'We have hence stocked a variety called Karunkurangu, which has a dark green and very thick skin, sourced from Dindigul, and we are trying to source more native varieties,' says Anantha Sayanan, co-founder, Organic Farmers Market (OFM). He notes that the Salem region, which usually has good yield, has also been affected by unseasonal rains. 'Salem, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, which are major mango-producing regions in the state, were the worst hit this year, due to unexpected rainfall during the flowering season. The season had a late start, and now we are dealing with significantly less yields,' he says. At OFM, they have Imam Pasand, Banganapali, Malgoa, Alphonso, Senthuram and small quantities of Kalapadi. As their mission is to support the farmers they work with, they keep margins low, making the produce affordable. OFM is open from 10am to 6pm. They also have additional stores in various locations within Chennai, apart from Adyar. To place your order, call 6380169943. Cholayil Farm to Table, Anna Nagar Susmera Cholayil, co-founder, Cholayil Farm to Table store, is left with over two tonnes of raw mangoes, that are not suitable for sales. 'The 85 acre, Cholayil mango grove at Vengal village in Tiruvallur, with around 900 trees and nearly 45 varieties of mango, has produced just 30% of its expected yield,' she says. She adds, 'We hope to harvest remaining fruits by the end of May. ' In the meantime, she is exploring ways to process the raw mangoes into pickles and solar-dried products. 'We are expecting an extended season this year, and gradually, all varieties at our farm will be harvested by next month and available for sale,' she says. Currently, they have stocked Banganapalli, Bengalura, Alphonso and more varieties such as Kalapadi, Swarnarekha, Neelam, Malgoa, Pathiri and Rasalu, will be stocked as and when it is harvested. The store is open from 10 am to 7 pm. To pre-book your mangoes, call 7550155005. Safe Foods, Thiruvanmiyur Gopi Devarajan, who founded Safe Foods, an organic store, brings over a decade of experience in sourcing organic food products. He says he primarily sources his mangoes from farmers in Tamil Nadu as well as from the border regions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. There has been moderate to poor yield in the Tiruvallur and Dindigul districts.'This year, the Banganapalli from Kadapa is particularly sweet, and I am looking forward to the arrival of native varieties such as Kalapadi, Nadusalai, and Sakkarakatti in a few weeks,' says Gopi. He observes that the mango season has been relatively good in the neighbouring southern states. At Safe Foods, the current stock includes Banganapalli, Imam Pasand, Senthuram, Malgoa, Alphonso, Javari, and Mallika. More varieties are expected to arrive during the first week of June. Mangoes can be prebooked between 11am to 8pm. Phone: 9790900887. reStore Organic Store, Kottivakkam At reStore, which sources mangoes from across Tamil Nadu, a wide range of varieties are currently available. These include Malgoa, Mallika, Kesar, Rasalu, Senthuram, Dasheri, Imam Pasand, Alphonso, Javari and Banganapalli are now available. 'Some farmers are yet to complete their harvest, so the mango season is likely to extend till August,' R Karthik, manager of the store, says. He is also looking forward to the arrival of native varieties such as Peether and Pathiri from Kanchipuram district. You can book your mangoes and get them home delivered. 10am to 7pm. Phone: 9840571842.
TAG 91.1
21-04-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE, Pakistan discuss stronger strategic ties
The UAE and Pakistan have reaffirmed their strong and strategic ties during high-level talks held in Islamabad. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif as part of a working visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The meeting, also attended by Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir, focused on expanding collaboration in key areas including trade, investment and development. The leaders reviewed progress made since the February visit of Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and discussed regional and global developments of mutual interest. Sheikh Abdullah expressed pride in visiting Pakistan and emphasised both countries' commitment to advancing their partnership for mutual prosperity. Abdullah Bin Zayed meets H.E. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in Islamabad, and discusses the historical relations between 🇦🇪& 🇵🇰,as well as ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields. — OFM (@OFMUAE) April 21, 2025 Sheikh Abdullah also held talks with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two sides signed an agreement to boost cultural ties and two MoUs, including one to form a UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council and another to establish a Joint Consular Affairs Committee. #WamNews — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) April 21, 2025
Observer
16-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
OFM expands global reach to strengthen food security
MUSCAT: Oman Flour Mills (OFM), one of the largest integrated food companies in the Sultanate of Oman, has launched a series of strategic projects, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening food security while expanding its global footprint. These initiatives form part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at securing strategic grain reserves, diversifying procurement sources, and enhancing food product quality. As part of its ambitious strategy to enhance global competitiveness, OFM has undertaken a series of strategic investments, from establishing Oman-Australia Limited, which works directly with farmers, to launching the Atyab International Services (AIS) in Uzbekistan for import quality control. These initiatives reflect the company's vision to strengthen its international presence, support the national economy, and meet growing market demands. Oman-Australia Limited, operating in Australia, collaborates directly with farmers to secure wheat shipments, reinforcing Oman's strategic grain reserves and providing a competitive edge in international markets. This initiative aims to ensure sustainable and reliable food resources by diversifying procurement sources and streamlining supply chains. Additionally, OFM continues to invest in strategic assets across the grain value chain, ensuring competitive pricing and supply stability for Oman. In a key step towards achieving its strategic goals, OFM inaugurated the AIS in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This facility brings OFM's expertise in food industry laboratory services to regional and international markets. The lab is dedicated to monitoring the quality of imports and food products, reinforcing consumer trust in food safety standards both locally and globally. Furthermore, the laboratory supports exporters in Uzbekistan's food processing industry, enhancing their access to European, American, and Asian markets. Notably, AIS is the first of its kind by an Omani company in Central Asia and has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation in a remarkably short period, reflecting its commitment to upholding the highest global quality standards. OFM continues to expand its investment portfolio, focusing on integration across the food value chain. Key initiatives include the acquisition of a feed mill and integration of frozen bakery operations, aligning with the company's broader expansion strategy. The company is also conducting a market assessment for baby food products in Uzbekistan, alongside importing and cultivating millet seeds. Additionally, OFM is advancing a joint farming proposal aimed at improving agricultural productivity. As part of its regional expansion plans, OFM is actively exploring opportunities to expand bakery operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while developing strategic industrial clusters to improve efficiency and foster innovation. These initiatives underscore OFM's commitment to strengthening the national economy and ensuring food security. Meanwhile, the company has successfully acquired Sohar Beach Bakery and the Omani Bioproducts Company, further enhancing operational efficiency and integration across its supply chain.
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman explores millet cultivation for the first time
Seeking to reduce the country's dependence on grain imports for its basic food requirements, the Sultanate of Oman is weighing the introduction of millet cultivation for the first time. Millets encompass a diverse group of cereals well-known for their mineral, protein and antioxidant rich properties. The fibre content of these grains is also known to play an important role in regulating intestinal function, blood sugar levels, and lipid metabolism. Lately, millet has been the focus of growing global attention as a cost-effective alternative that can contribute to strengthening food security. Pondering the introduction of millet cultivation domestically is Oman Flour Mills (OFM), one of the country's largest food companies majority-owned by the government through Nitaj (Oman Food Investment Holding Company). Nitaj represents the food sector investment arm of Oman Investment Authority (OIA). Commenting on the company's vision for millet cultivation in Oman, Ahmed bin Ali al Bulushi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at OFM Group, said: 'OFM is in the final stages of importing millet seeds, with plans to cultivate millets in Oman to capitalise on the country's favourable growing conditions and diversify agricultural production.' The planned foray into millet cultivation is in line with OFM's mandate to secure access to grain commodities – chiefly wheat, corn and barley – in a timely manner and at cost-competitive rates. In support of this goal, the company has invested in silo complexes in Muscat and Suhar for the storage of imported grain, as well as adequate milling capacity. OFM also ranks among the largest players in Oman's feed mill sector, which is an important source of different types of feed for the country's livestock, poultry and fish farms as well. Significantly, Oman's proposed venture into millet cultivation aligns with a global shift towards the inclusion of these cereals in national diets due to their affordability and health benefits. Underscoring this shift, the UN General Assembly, in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) during its 75th session. Millets are also known to adapt to harsh climate conditions, making the drought-resistant crop particularly suitable for cultivation in countries like Oman. Besides strengthening food security, millet cultivation is also expected to open up opportunities for small-scale farmers, helping them supplement incomes from the farming of wheat, as well as fruits and vegetables. In 2024, around 10,000 tonnes of locally grown Omani wheat were procured by OFM directly from farmers under a Subsidised Wheat Procurement Programme initiated in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. It represented a 100 per cent increase in procurement last year, up from around 5,000 tonnes a year earlier. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publicatio and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
