Most young people aspire to secure a government job, but some choose their own path and become an inspiration to others. Such is the story of Dr Kamini Singh, who left her government job to pursue organic farming and business. Today, she has built a thriving venture with an annual turnover of Rs 2 crore, proving that following one’s passion can lead to remarkable success.

Dr Kamini Singh carved out a unique identity for herself by cultivating organic moringa (drumstick). Moringa, renowned for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, is commonly used in sambar, vegetables, tea, and various other products. Kamini ventured into creating a range of products from moringa, including soap, oil, mosquito repellent spray, moringa powder, and capsules. What sets her products apart is that they are entirely organic, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and natural wellness.

Early career

Dr Kamini Singh began her career as a scientist at CISH (Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture) in Lucknow. After dedicating seven years to a government job, her growing interest in organic farming led her to make a significant change. In 2015, she resigned from her position and began researching moringa. During this period, she worked as a project director at an agricultural company, where she had the opportunity to connect with farmers. It was here that she made the decision to venture into moringa farming.

In 2017, Dr Kamini initiated a pilot project for moringa cultivation in collaboration with farmers. Moringa was selected for its ability to thrive in all seasons and its resistance to the need for chemicals. The leaves, roots, and fruits of moringa are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal crop for sustainable farming. 

Business success

In 2019, Kamini laid the foundation of her organization and began scaling up her operations. She partnered with farmers to produce a range of moringa-based products, including moringa powder, soap, oil, and capsules. Initially, she sold moringa powder in pouch packing in the local market. As her business grew, she joined the Agri-Business Incubator at IIT (BHU), where she was awarded a grant of Rs 25 lakh. She used this funding to purchase oil extraction and capsule filling machines, significantly boosting her production capacity and expanding her business.

Dr Kamini now works with 50 to 100 farmers, providing them with training on moringa cultivation and purchasing their crops. This partnership has helped the farmers to earn a good income while contributing to the success of her business. Today, her annual revenue stands at approximately Rs 1.75 crore, and she has set a target to reach Rs 2.50 crore by the financial year 2025. Her products are also available on online platforms, allowing her to expand her market and sell her products across the country.