By Abhay Ray 
Introduction
Ponnarasi, a 38-year-old woman from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, has defied the odds to become a celebrated entrepreneur, turning her humble farming background into a thriving business generating ₹ 12 lakh annually. Known as the “Moringa Queen,” her journey from a school 98op dropout to an influential businesswoman has been nothing short of remarkable.Raised in a farming family, Ponnarasi was always surrounded by fields, learning the value of hard work from an early age. Despite her lack of formal education (having completed only class 10), she grew up with a deep connection to agriculture. Ponnarasi’s initial venture into farming involved cultivating moringa on her family’s 10 acres of land. However, intense competition from other farmers led to plummeting prices for moringa seeds, often as low as ₹ 5-10 per kilogram.
The Turning Point – Embracing Entrepreneurial Farming
Ponnarasi’s life changed after attending a workshop at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural College, Coimbatore, where she met agricultural expert John Kennedy. His insights on the untapped potential of moringa shifted her perspective. Instead of selling the raw material like most farmers, Kennedy encouraged focusing on value addition. This inspired Ponnarasi to explore innovative ways to utilize moringa, especially its oil, which was in high demand globally, fetching prices as high as ₹5,000 per litre for use in cosmetics, food, and medicine. In 2019, Ponnarasi began her journey toward becoming an entrepreneur, blending her agricultural roots with modern, entrepreneurial strategies. She focused on growing the Moolanur variety of moringa, which is drought-resistant and yields higher oil content, making it ideal for value-added products.
Overcoming Early Challenges and Skepticism
Ponnarasi’s path was not without challenges. As a mother of four, she juggled family responsibilities while trying to build her moringa-based business. She faced skepticism from her community, particularly due to her limited formal education. Many questioned her abilities to succeed in business. “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,” Ponnarasi recalls. However, despite the doubts, she persevered, driven by the belief that her work could make a difference.
Developing Moringa Products – A Leap Into Innovation
The breakthrough came when Ponnarasi started experimenting with moringa oil extraction at home. This process was labor-intensive, especially the removal of seed coats, but Ponnarasi’s determination kept her going. She soon perfected her technique and began scaling her operations. Her business took a formal shape when she obtained quality certifications from the Indian Food and Edible Export Development (IEFED) in Thanjavur, which helped establish credibility for her products.To further enhance her business, Ponnarasi received a ₹ 2 lakh government subsidy under a scheme for women entrepreneurs. With this funding, she built a Pack House, which became the backbone of her operation, enabling her to diversify into 36 different moringa-based products. These products included moringa oil, powders, soaps, shampoos, lip balms, and even idly podis, a product innovation suggested by her employee Kalaiarasi.
Ponnarasi’s dedication paid off as her business grew. Today, she generates ₹12 lakh annually and has built a loyal customer base of over one lakh people. Her products are available internationally, with customers in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, France, and Muscat. Among her most popular products are moringa seeds, soup powders, and oils, which have captured the attention of health-conscious consumers. Her entrepreneurial success has earned her recognition, including the Best Entrepreneur Award from the Collector of Trichy. The title “Moringa Queen” or “Murungai Arasi” has become synonymous with her name. She also mentors other farmers and women entrepreneurs through workshops, sharing her journey and knowledge.
A Message of Self-Sufficiency
Ponnarasi’s journey is a powerful testament to the importance of self-belief and the impact of women in entrepreneurship. Despite societal pressures and skepticism, she has proven that success isn’t about formal education but the willingness to learn and grow. “Society often expects a woman to choose between being a mother and a businesswoman,” she reflects. “But women need to explore their opportunities without worrying about societal opinions. What matters is becoming self-sufficient and successful.” Through her example, Ponnarasi encourages other women to take the leap and start their own businesses. She believes that embracing opportunities and leveraging skills, regardless of formal qualifications, can lead to great achievements.
Leveraging Technology for Business Growth
In the age of digital marketing, Ponnarasi understood the importance of social media in reaching a wider audience. Despite having no prior experience with social platforms, she embraced the help of her daughter and learned how to use Facebook to connect with customers. Through this platform, Ponnarasi expanded her reach, gaining customers from all over the world. The use of social media has been instrumental in turning her local business into a global enterprise, allowing her to interact with clients directly and build a strong online community. Her marketing efforts have contributed to both national and international orders, cementing her reputation as a successful entrepreneur.
Ponnarasi’s Legacy-A Beacon of Hope for Aspiring Farmers and Entrepreneurs
Today, Ponnarasi is not just a successful businesswoman; she is a beacon of hope for farmers and women entrepreneurs. She has shown that with the right mindset, hard work, and determination, even a school dropout can create a thriving, global business. Her story is a reminder that entrepreneurial success is accessible to anyone who is willing to take risks, innovate, and persevere. Ponnarasi’s journey continues to inspire countless others. As she plans to introduce new products each year and expand her business even further, she remains dedicated to her mission of empowering others in her community and beyond. Through her commitment to innovation, mentorship, and community-building, Ponnarasi has not only transformed her own life but has also changed the lives of many around her, proving that the sky is the limit for those who dare to dream big.
Conclusion
Ponnarasi’s journey from a school dropout to the “Moringa Queen” is a powerful example of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. By transforming traditional farming into a global business through value-added products and strategic use of technology, she has redefined what’s possible for rural women entrepreneurs. Her success proves that with determination, support, and a willingness to adapt, anyone—regardless of education or background—can build a thriving enterprise. Ponnarasi not only created a sustainable livelihood for herself but also inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.
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