Little Luxuries – Monsoon Mangoes Economic Times 02/07/2012
By Vikram Doctor:
This column has rarely spoken about mangoes, though they are India’s finest luxury fruit. I have written about Imam Pasand and green mangoes, but avoided Alphonsos. Not because I dislike them—Alphonso-bashing is pointless. Yes, they are costly and sometimes disappointing, but when chosen well, they are magical in taste, aroma, and texture. Many stop eating mangoes once the monsoon starts, but that is unnecessary, as India’s varied climates keep them in season across regions. Sadly, mango tastes are narrow—Mumbai worships Alphonsos while ignoring gems like Banganapallis, Imam Pasands, and Gulabkhas. Organic mangoes stand out for their care and quality. By July, varieties like Kesar, Rajapuri, and especially Langra appear, offering sharp, tangy joy. Langras, bold and lively, are perfect companions for the muggy monsoon, proving mango season should not end too soon.
For a Better Yield The New Indian Express 22/06/2012
PB Murali and Hari Sethuraman
PB Murali, a leader in Tamil Nadu’s organic movement, has revived ancient farming techniques through sustainable practices. Along with his partner, IIT-Madras graduate Hari Sethuraman, he has developed non-toxic biopesticides and fungicides. “Food must not be poisoned in the name of technology,” says Murali, who believes yield should also mean health. The duo were among the first to adopt drip irrigation, fertigation, pruning, and bio-dynamic methods to fight fungus.
At Punnammai Organic Orchards, a 60-acre farm in Thatchur, Murali cultivates Banganapalli, Imam Pasand, Alphonso, and Rumani mangoes. His produce reaches organic stores, hotels, and corporates across South India and parts of the North. The farm records an annual turnover of around ₹40 lakh, with prices changing each season. A statistics graduate with 18 years in the corporate world, Murali turned to agriculture over two decades ago. He says the organic community is small, connected through referrals, and has little need for brand building.
Organic Mangoes Mylapore Times 05/06/2010
If you love mangoes, you may want to head to the Farmer’s Shandy on Luz Church Road.
You can choose from a big spread of organic and naturally grown Alphonso and Banganapalle mangoes that are free from chemical based pesticides and fertilizers. The Shandy is promoted by P. B. Murali & Hari Sethuraman.
Murali is an organic farmer. He grows mangos in his 60 acre farmland at Punnamai village located between East Coast Road and GST road.
The Shandy – Organic Store in Chennai Agriculture Information 26/09/2016
Two passionate farmers, P.B. Murali and Hari Sethuraman, founded Shandy Organics in Chennai to connect farmers and consumers through pure, chemical-free food. They believe that nature provides everything needed to grow crops without poison. Mr. Murali, an organic farmer for over 35 years, has never used chemicals on his land. Seventeen years ago, he and Mr. Hari started Shandy Organics to make healthy food accessible and to support other farmers. Their vision is to produce and sell nutrient-rich, authentic organic food without compromising on quality. The store offers cereals, pulses, oils, ghee, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, all sourced directly from organic farms. Every Wednesday and Thursday are dedicated to selling fresh fruits and vegetables that are never pre-cooled or stored. Shandy Organics maintains strict quality checks and personally inspects each farm. Farmers prefer them because they offer fair prices and instant payments. The team also guides farmers to shift from chemical farming to natural methods. Each year, they add over 25 new farmers to their organic network. They share simple pest-control techniques like ginger-garlic sprays and smoke from dried leaves, while enriching soil using panchagavya and compost. For Murali and Hari, Shandy Organics is more than a business—it is a social movement promoting sustainable agriculture. Their mission is to grow and supply poison-free food forever.
Organic Mangoes – 3 places to get them Mylapore Times, Chennai 04/05/2016
The Shandy, located on Luz Church Road, is the go-to place for delicious organic mangoes like Alphonso, Banganapalli, and Imam Pasand, along with fresh mango pulp. These mangoes are sourced from Chengalpattu, Madurantakam, and Ennore, and are completely free from chemicals. Founders P.B. Murali and Hari Sethuraman began by providing space for traditional farmers to sell their produce directly in Chennai every Sunday. Today, they own 70 acres of farmland near Madurantakam, known for producing naturally grown, flavourful mangoes. The fruit market at The Shandy is open throughout the week, while the vegetable section operates only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Hari emphasizes that their focus is always on quality farming that works in harmony with nature, leaving no room for failure. They also encourage and support nearby farmers to adopt the same organic practices. The Shandy not only sells their own produce but also buys and markets the yield of these local farmers. Ensuring convenience for customers, they offer free home delivery on all orders above Rs. 1500 within a 5 km radius. Over the years, The Shandy has become a trusted destination for fresh, chemical-free produce and a symbol of Chennai’s growing organic movement.
Organic Shandy, Alwarpet Madras Eats Blog 01/07/2017
Sandy Organic
The word “Shandy” comes from the Tamil word “Sandhai” meaning farmer’s market. And that is exactly what happens at The Shandy, located next to MCTM school, Alwarpet. Every day, organic farmers from all over TN and India send their precious produce here to be displayed and sold wholesale (to other organic stores) and retail.
The place hides in plain sight right on the main road. Walking along Luz Church road one evening, I came across this house buzzing with activity, crates of fruit n veggies everywhere. There was no board of any sort so I kept walking thinking it was a storehouse. But then curiosity got the better of me and I headed back and enquired. They said it was an organic fruit and vegetable store.
