HARI BHARI TOKRI

Nature’s wisdom has resulted in a wonderful diversity, sensitive to both time and place. By eating organic,
seasonal and local we move from simply witnessing the rhythms of the planet to participating in it.

In response to the demand for fresh organic produce in Mumbai, Mumbai Organic Farmers and Consumers
Association (MOFCA) has decided to start the ‘Hari Bhari Tokri’ scheme- a weekly supply of vegetables
sourced straight from organic farms around Mumbai.

Through the Hari Bhari Tokri, we invite you, the consumer, to partner with us.

Why Partner?

• Partnering means sharing risks and rewards. Traditionally, farmers have borne the brunt of nature's
vagaries while consumers have become increasingly disconnected from the process of food production,
and from the human and ecological communities that support this process. Partnering is a first step
towards restoring the balance and harmony in our local food web.
• As a partnering consumer, you are assured of quality organic vegetables delivered fresh every week.
Without intermediaries, you benefit from reasonable, predetermined prices that are not subject to
economic fluctuations or false scarcities.
• By having a predetermined number of consumers to grow for, partnered farmers will be able to better
plan their growing cycle. Wastages that occur from excess produce not being sold will be minimized,
which in turn will reduce losses to the farmer and keep costs to the consumer under control.
• Partnering also gives consumers and farmers the opportunity to get to know each other on a personal
level. The farmers will know who’s eating the food they are growing; and the consumer will have some
peace of mind, knowing exactly how and who is growing the food that their family is eating.
• Partnering consumers will additionally have the opportunity to visit the farms where the food is grown
and be re-introduced to traditional (forgotten) vegetables and different ways to prepare them.

Partnership Terms:

1. You, the consumer, will partner with MOFCA for one growing season (3-4 months). We will begin with
winter – November to January. The summer season will run from February to May and the monsoon
cycle from June to September.
2. A list of vegetables that will be grown during the season will be distributed so consumers will know
what to expect. Partnering consumers are requested to register 45 days before the start of the season so
farmers may consider their requirements at the time of planting.
3. At the time of registering, you will be required to give a deposit of Rs. 500/-1 for the season. If you
withdraw from the scheme at the end of the season, this amount is refundable (minus any expenses
incurred during the season) or donatable to the continuing of the project. If you continue with the
scheme, the balance will be carried over to the next season at the start of which you can put the required
amount to equal Rs. 500/-
4. Each week, on a pre-determined day, your tokri will be delivered to your pre-selected pick-up point.
Members are requested to collect their tokris the same day and make their payment at the time of pick-
up.
5. We are currently offering two tokri sizes. Consumers are requested to select their preferred tokri size for
the entire season. Small (Total 1.5 kg / Minimum 250gm of each vegetable) Medium (Total 3 kg /
Minimum 500gm of each vegetable). Tokri costs for the winter will be Rs 100/- for the small tokri and
Rs 200/- for the medium tokri2.

1
The deposit fee covers the costs of setting up and maintaining this tokri system (e.g. buying tokris)
including its special requirements for customised communication channels e.g. website, phone. It also
facilitates the cash flow in case of unforeseen expenses or to tide over any delays in receipt of payments.
2
Tokri prices cover the cost to the farmer to grow and transport the vegetables. Deferring from typical
market pricing, this price takes into account the need for the farmer to maintain the health of the soil and
his/her family in the process.
6. Depending on availability, each tokri will have between 4 and 6 different vegetables including at least 1
leafy vegetable and between 3 and 5 other vegetables (beans, gourds, fruit vegetables, etc. / depending
on size.)
7. Each week, depending upon availability, we will try to vary the vegetables included in the tokri
However, as we are committed to providing the healthiest options (which necessarily imply local and
seasonal) 2 or 3 may be repeated. You are requested to mention your food preference (allergies, dislikes,
religious restrictions) at the time of registering. MOFCA will try and avoid adding these vegetables in
your basket.
8. In case you do not want a basket for a week or more/s during the season you are requested to inform
us, a minimum of 3 days prior to the predetermined delivery date. Otherwise, you will be charged for
that week’s basket.
9. In case of special, one-off requests where a larger quantity is required, the allocation will be made only
after all the regular registered baskets are filled.
10. Occasionally, in addition to vegetables, farmers will have fruits and other provisions (e.g. cereals,
pulses, oils, etc) for sale. Additional costs and other details will be provided as and when available.

Suggestions for a Great Tokri Experience

Schemes like Hari Bhari Tokri are highly individualised to the needs and circumstances of its members- both
farmers and consumers. Especially because of this and since we are in the pilot phase of the project, we
request your forgiveness for any unforeseen goof ups (as much as we may try to avoid them). It's only
natural! We will get better.

In the meantime, at the onset, we will vouch for the intention to place people before profit in the production
of food. We will try and cater as far as possible to the needs of both farmers and consumers and continue to
strengthen the ties between them. As partners, we request (and need) your participation in the form of
questions, suggestions, feedback and offers of help.

As fellow consumers, we also advise against the expectation that your entire consumption of vegetables be
organic. Given the current logistics of Mumbai and the unpredictability of nature this might be unreasonable.
At the same time, as city dwellers unaccustomed to eating seasonally, you and your family might need to
relearn a few habits. We advise being gentle but creative as you move on this path towards eating more
healthily. We will of course be happy to offer whatever help we can to enable you to do so.

Who are we?

Mumbai Organic Farmers and Consumers Association (MOFCA)

MOFCA is a cooperative association of organic farmers (working within a 200 km radius of Mumbai)
working collectively with consumers from Mumbai towards the betterment of local seasonal organic food
grown and consumed within our region.

For additional information about MOFCA and the tokri scheme please and to register for Hari Bhari Tokri
please contact:
Name: Ubai Hussein
Phone number: 99304 48204
Email id: mofca.consumers@gmail.com