The husband-wife duo (Jitendera Mann and Sarla Mann), residents of a small village, Mehmudpur, in Haryana’s Sonipat district, through their hard work and wisdom, have taken their moringa farming business to such heights as the Burj Khalifa building, and they are earning lakhs of rupees. Their success story is becoming an inspiration for other farmers and young youth.
How the Idea of Moringa Farming Sprouted?
Moringa oleifera, which is a scientific name, is known in India by the names of drumstick, sigru, shevga, shegat, drumstick, etc.
When Jitendra was working in Madras, one of his friends told him about the medicinal properties of moringa. From there, a seed of starting this business germinated in his mind. Then, he has been doing organic moringa farming for more than 5 years.
How Soil & Climate Helped Them
Jitendra said that Haryana soil, which is of alluvial and loamy type, is considered best for this. He also said that the medicinal properties of Moringa depend on the quality of the soil. Luxuriant growth occurs when the pH value of the soil is 6.5-8 and the temperature is 25-30°C.
Initial Challenges for Crop Health
In the beginning, he did not have much knowledge about planting distance. Later, he contacted some farmers of Gujarat, and then he came to know that the distance between plant to plant should be 1 foot and the distance between row to row should be 4 feet.
Planting plants with this method increases the production of leaves. Water is required less in Moringa farming. Jitendra uses flood irrigation during his farming, but he has suggested promoting drip irrigation.
How R&D Helped Them
During R&D, Sarla observed that drying the leaves in a dark room, away from exposure to sunlight or dust/mud, does not compromise the quality of the leaves.
Processing Steps
- She said that after harvesting the leaves, she washes them thoroughly with water so that the risk of diseases like ulcers is reduced.
- Then all the leaves are dried separately without any overlap in a dark room for 10-12 hours till they become crunchy dry.
- When the leaves are dry, she separates the stalk from the leaves so that pregnant women can also consume it.
- Then she converts these dried leaves into a coarse powder and then packs it carefully so that it does not spoil for a long time.
Selection of Variety and Seed Sowing
When Jitendra Mann was working in Chennai, he brought seeds of Moringa oleifera from there, which is an indigenous desi variety. He said that its results are very good when planted in a forest concept; leaves start coming after 2-3 months of planting.
Challenges and Marketing Strategies
Sarla Mann said that there is a huge demand for moringa leaves in the international market, but companies do not pay a fair price for it. They produce only as per the order.
Their smart marketing strategies
- To give an identity to their product, they created a channel on YouTube named “Husband Wife Farm,” where they provided information related to their product.
- They created their own website through which they could connect with the customers directly.
- Because of its medicinal properties, they presented it as a premium product.
- They won the trust of the customers with good strategy and understanding. They succeeded in giving a distinct identity to their product.
Conclusion
The success story of Jitendra Mann and Sarla Mann shows that if hard work, passion, and good strategy are used, then you can earn millions from agriculture. Organic Moringa farming not only helps financially, but it also keeps the health of our neighbors living around us better.
Their success has become an inspiration for every youth who wants to start their own start-up.
