At 38, Ponnarasi stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women looking to redefine their roles in society. From a humble background in Tamil Nadu to becoming a celebrated name in moringa farming, her journey showcases the power of determination, innovation, and the willingness to adapt.
Rooted in Agriculture, Growing in Innovation
Raised in a family deeply connected to agriculture, Ponnarasi grew up amidst sprawling fields, understanding the toil and dedication farming demands. However, she never imagined that moringa—commonly known as the drumstick tree—would become her path to success.
“I didn’t know moringa could change my life,” she reflects. “But it has given me a purpose, and I want others to find theirs too.”
Her journey into moringa farming began a decade ago in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. The family cultivated moringa across 10 acres of land, selling leaves, seeds, and roots. However, plummeting prices in the market, with moringa seeds sometimes selling as low as Rs 5 to 10 per kilogram, made her realize that a new approach was needed.
The Turning Point: Value Addition
A visit to Tamil Nadu Agricultural College in Coimbatore introduced her to agricultural expert John Kennedy, whose insights into value addition changed her perspective. “Most farmers focus only on selling raw produce rather than maximizing the potential of their crops,” she recalls.
Determined to break the cycle of low profits, she attended training at the Gandhigram Agricultural Extension Office, where she learned about moringa product development. Her persistence soon caught the attention of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) officers, who guided her through the complexities of moringa oil production.
“They introduced me to the international demand for moringa oil, which is sold at Rs 5,000 per liter and used in cosmetics, food, and medicine,” she explains.
Armed with this knowledge, Ponnarasi began producing moringa oil, leveraging the drought-resistant Moolanur variety known for its high oil content and resilience to harsh weather conditions.
Overcoming Challenges and Skepticism
Ponnarasi’s early days in product development were not easy. Experimenting with oil extraction at home required immense precision and labor-intensive methods, particularly in removing seed coats. The skepticism from her community added to her struggles. With only a Class 10 education, many doubted her ability to succeed.
“I used to travel to gatherings with my four children on a two-wheeler, and my relatives often made snide remarks about my financial situation,” she recalls.
However, her determination never wavered. Her workforce, comprising mostly local women, believed in her vision and stood by her. “Akka (elder sister) has faced many troubles, both internal and external. But her confidence keeps us focused on our work,” says Kalaiarasi, a longtime employee.
Scaling Up: From Small Business to Global Enterprise
Once she perfected the oil extraction process, Ponnarasi took crucial steps to formalize and expand her business. She obtained quality certifications from the Indian Food and Edible Export Development (IEFED) in Thanjavur, which enhanced her credibility in the market.
A government subsidy of Rs 2 lakh under a women entrepreneurs’ scheme enabled her to establish a Pack House—a facility crucial for processing and packaging moringa products.
With the right infrastructure in place, her business diversified to include an impressive range of 36 products, from moringa oil and powder to soaps, shampoos, lip balms, and soup powders. “We make all the food-related products by hand, and my brother manages the cosmetic line,” she shares.
One of her team members, Kalaiarasi, even came up with the idea of adding moringa to idli podi (spice powder), which became a hit. Innovation continues to drive her business, with the goal of introducing 10 new products each year.
Becoming the ‘Moringa Queen’
Ponnarasi’s efforts have paid off, with her business now generating Rs 12 lakh annually. Over six years, she has built a customer base of over one lakh people, primarily through Facebook and WhatsApp.
Her reach has extended beyond India, with international exports to Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, France, and Muscat. Moringa seeds, soup powders, and oil remain her best-selling products, attracting a global customer base.
Her entrepreneurial achievements have earned her several awards, including the Best Entrepreneur Award from the Collector of Trichy. The community fondly refers to her as ‘Murungai Arasi’—the Moringa Queen.
Mentorship and Empowerment
Beyond personal success, Ponnarasi is committed to giving back to the farming community. She mentors farmers and self-help groups, conducting workshops on value addition and business development.
“I feel proud when I am invited to MBA colleges to share my experiences in entrepreneurship and farming,” she says with a smile.
Kalaiarasi, who has worked with her for years, describes the impact: “Ponnarasi’s guidance has given me the skills to stand on my own feet and contribute to my family’s livelihood.”
Leveraging Technology for Growth
Understanding the power of digital marketing, Ponnarasi embraced social media to expand her business. “I had no prior experience with social media, so I started learning with my daughter’s help,” she says.
Facebook became her primary platform, helping her connect directly with customers, receive feedback, and secure international orders. “It helped me reach customers I would never have found otherwise,” she explains.
Breaking Stereotypes and Encouraging Women Entrepreneurs
Despite her success, Ponnarasi acknowledges the challenges women entrepreneurs face in society. “Society tends to confuse a woman’s responsibilities with her identity. If a woman starts a business, people assume she has failed as a mother or a wife,” she says.
Her advice to women is simple: “Explore opportunities without fearing societal opinions. In the end, success is not about your degree but your willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.”
Summing Up
From a Class 10 dropout to a thriving entrepreneur, Ponnarasi’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. Through moringa farming, she has not only transformed her own life but has also inspired thousands to see agriculture as a path to prosperity. Her journey proves that with the right mindset, challenges can turn into stepping stones for success.