Bengaluru techie starts organic Wellness startup to revive heirloom grains while building a sustainable and ethical food ecosystem

When Nagendra Kumar was pursuing IT Engineering, he suddenly started having major digestive issues. When the doctor prescribed that he avoid eating white rice, it was a wake-up call for the young techie. Rice has been the major cereal that he has been consuming since childhood. How could that familiar rice be harmful to his gut health then? 

In an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia, Karnataka’s techie-turned-entrepreneur Nagendra Kumar H shared his journey of building Rajamudi Organics. 

How was Rajamudi Organics formed?

Nagendra Kumar, an alumnus of IIM Bangalore with deep expertise in international business, organic certifications, and market expansion, is committed to transforming the organic food landscape by making authentic, nutritious, and healthy products accessible worldwide.

In 2022, he founded an organic food startup in Bengaluru to supply its products to India, Europe, the Middle East, Canada and the USA.

Coming from a farming background, the Rajamudi Organics founder understood that food is what supports our entire existence.

Nagendra realised at a young age that what had been his personal health challenge was also an issue for others. Although rice is a nutritious cereal, the polished variety strips it of its benefits and causes digestive issues for many.

“I founded Rajamudi Organics Pvt. Ltd. to bring traditionally grown, chemical-free organic food to global consumers,” said the founder. “Our mission is to empower farmers, protect biodiversity, and revive heirloom grains while building a sustainable and ethical food ecosystem.”

Company mission

Rajamudi Organics began with a simple vision – to promote sustainable and holistic living through organic farming practices. The company believes in “Food as pure as nature intended - A right for all". So that good and nutritious food should be affordable and accessible to everyone.

From sourcing all ingredients from certified organic farms, it strives to create a positive impact on the environment. 

“Our products are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides,” Nagendra informed Startup Pedia. “All our products are certified organic from NPOP, NOP, USDA, and EU.”

Rajamudi - the rice of the royals

Rajamudi rice from Mysore once even had cash status that the Maharaja consumed. It was called “the royal rice”. Nagendra started his wellness startup with this variety of rice, along with pulses, etc. 

Currently, Rajamudi Organic sells organic rice, millets, cooking oils, flours, sweeteners, salt, spices, herbs, as well as ready-to-eat organic foods.

What’s the USP of Rajamudi Organics?

“For organic foods, availability and affordability become a major challenge,” said the food entrepreneur. “So, we have solved those two challenges, plus we produce everything under certified organic practices.”

Rajamudi Organics does not use any chemicals, synthetic pesticides, or fertilisers.

“We are an Organic Wellness startup to reintroduce our traditional food practices,” 36-year-old Nagendra shared with Startup Pedia.

Investments and turnover

Nagendra invested around Rs. 2.5 crore in the Bengaluru-based wellness startup. It clocked an annual turnover of Rs. 6 crore in FY2025.

Awards and recognitions

The 20-member organic food startup has achieved the Radio Mirchi Business Class Award among many other recognitions.

“We were also proud participants of the Expo West (LA, USA), Summer Fancy Food Show (NewYork, USA), Biofach 2025 (Nuremberg, Germany), World Food India (Delhi, India), etc., Nagendra said.

The company recently partnered with the TNIT South Indian Media Awards 2025 in Bengaluru.

Also read: This Jhansi student skips college to start earning, launches skincare startup to solve skin problems for Indians aged 18-26 (startuppedia.in)

Organic food varieties at the wellness startup

Currently, Rajamudi Organic sells up to eight heirloom varieties of rice and nine varieties of millets, herbs, spices, honey, cold-pressed organic oils and ready-to-eat products. 

 “We recently listed on Blinkit as well,” the wellness startup founder informed Startup Pedia. “Our Jaggery Coconut Burfi is available in Bengaluru.”

The Rajamudi Organic food products are now available on its website and Amazon for customers to choose from its wide range of products. 

Challenges

“Convincing the farmers to cultivate the traditional rice strains is a major challenge, though!” the startup founder admitted. “Also, we need to revive the soil and make it fertile again to get that organic label. It takes a 3-year conversion period!” he added.

Goals

“In the coming days, we want to launch at least fifty varieties of rice, herbs and spices,” Nagendra disclosed to Startup Pedia.

The organic wellness startup wants to reach more countries in the future.

Rajamudi Organics Pvt. Ltd. began with a desire to reconnect with traditional farming and revive the staples that have nourished generations. Named after the legendary Rajamudi rice, once cherished by Karnataka's royalty, the startup’s journey honours heritage while embracing sustainable practices.

Its organic products include traditional rice varieties, pulses, spices, herbs, superfoods, millets, natural sweeteners, and ready-to-eat snacks, all tested for quality and purity.

The founder’s parting note

“We want everyone to get good, clean food in the palette,” Nagendra told Startup Pedia.

Rice is a daily staple, but not all rice is created equal. From higher fibre and protein to essential minerals and antioxidants, Rajamudi Rice is more than just a grain - it’s a step toward better living.

Also read: This B.Tech grad quit job at Google to build a smart device that cuts power wastage by 23% and helps users save lakhs on electricity bills (startuppedia.in)