Foreka: Cold-pressed oils fueling rural livelihoods

August 7, 2025 Start Up Valli Sarvani

Many Indian farmers face challenges beyond just poor crop yields, unstable prices, lack of markets, and outmigration that threaten their livelihoods.

Seeing this firsthand, Satyam Bhandari, along with schoolmates Rohit Negi and Mohit Rana, launched Foreka in 2022 to bring sustainable change.

After working with the Gandhi Fellowship and Piramal Foundation, Satyam saw how poverty forced families to prioritise survival over education.

This experience shaped his mission, empowering rural communities through livelihood creation.

Initially, the trio started Heart in Hills in Uttarakhand, buying millets directly from farmers.

They offered prices 10–15% above market rates. Though successful, seasonal operations and supply chain issues forced them to pivot.

During the second COVID-19 wave, they spotted a growing demand for cold-pressed oils. This led to the birth of Foreka in Rajasthan.

Backed by a ₹22 lakh grant from The Buddha Institute, they set up a processing unit in Hindaun, Karauli. The region’s rich mustard crops and high migration made it an ideal location.

Foreka works on a unique co-profit model. Farmers own the cold-press machines and receive 50% of the profits after expenses.

This direct model ensures fair pricing, eliminates middlemen, and reduces rural migration.

Partnering with NGOs and FPOs, the startup processes mustard and groundnut oil.

Foreka faced several hurdles. A ₹25 lakh loan-funded order turned into a ₹4 lakh fraud.

The team also struggled with fundraising, limited experience, and navigating market dynamics. However, they sought mentorship and focused on learning by doing.

Despite early setbacks, Foreka grew rapidly. Its revenue jumped from ₹60 lakh in 2023–24 to ₹1.3 crore in just the first half of 2024–25. It aims to hit ₹2.5 crore by year-end.

Foreka’s oils, ₹320 for black mustard, ₹450 for yellow mustard, ₹500 for groundnut, retain full nutrition due to cold-pressing.

Customers receive healthy, chemical-free oils. Farmers get a stable income.

Looking ahead, Foreka plans to expand to five oilseeds, engage 10,000 farmers, and create 250 jobs.

Its upcoming House of Mustard project aims to bring mustard-based value-added products to the B2C market. Foreka isn’t just selling oils, it’s building rural futures.

Image Credit: Foreka Website Screenshot