Please give me a brief background about yourself, your sulphur-free coconut oil farm, how you started this etc.
I am an agriculturist by nature. I did my graduation and post-graduation in engineering. After my post-graduation, I worked in a government organization for 3 years at the Agricultural Engineering College. I resigned in the year 1975 and started an agro-input shop and entered the trading business and dealt with fertilizers and pesticides. I wasn’t fully satisfied with this venture because poisoning of our food products affects our health.
I lost my father in the year 1992. That is when I took direct charge over my 50-acre land. The land is blessed with very good water resources and rich soil. While doing my chemical farming, by the year 1996, when I was going through my accounts I was shocked to see that my expenditure was more than my income from the field. I understood that could not be a correct agriculture methodology. By that time, organic farming was in the buzz everywhere. My interest in organic farming grew with the progress of my research in it. Another methodology I came across was natural farming. Masanobu Fukoka, author of the famous book – the One Straw Revolution of Japan is said to be the father of natural farming to the whole world. In the year 2002, I got the golden opportunity to undergo a training given by Masanobu. He had come to Dehra Dun at the age of 95 to give a training. After understanding the basic concepts of natural farming clearly, I began following it in my farming practices. That way, I began producing clear, chemical-free coconuts in my farm for the last 20 years.
Unfortunately, there was no demand or premium price for my organic produce and I was taken aback. I pondered over the reason of this for I wanted to win this battle. That is when I decided to track the path of the coconuts sold at my farm to the end customer. Upon studying it, I realized that the coconut merchant who purchases my coconuts, sells it to a person who makes copra (dry coconut) out of it. This copra is then sold to an oil mill where it gets processed into coconut oil. This oil mill then sells it to a wholesale oil merchant, which then gets into the retail market before it reaches the end customer. At every stage, I realized, chemicals in some form is added for individual profit margins. This made me venture into the possibility of producing coconut oil on my farm and selling it to consumers. That way the profit eaten up by middle men can be shared by the consumers and me. Hence, I entered the value-addition industry of coconuts. The reason people add sulphur is to make the oil more attractive. While making copra, if there is a slight rain or cloudy weather, can give rise to bad odour. To avoid that, people use sulphur. Now, after making copra, they will stock it for up to 3-4 years before churning out the oil. Even during that time, there is opportunity for the copra to absorb moisture, which they avoid by using sulphur. Owing to the sulphur content in the oil, the oil becomes highly unhealthy. To avoid this, I have a solar dryer, which I utilize in the production of copra and after converting it into oil, I supply directly supply it to consumers. Today, I am totally satisfied.
Then I thought why stop at coconut oil alone, why not venture into other products as well? I then attended a training at Kerala to make hand-made soaps. They taught me how to make the soaps using chemicals. Once I understood how it is done, I got back and started making hand-made soaps – initially, with chemicals. I then researched how to avoid chemicals while making soaps. In my research, I listed down the reasons for which chemicals are being used in the soap manufacture. I realized that chemicals were used for:
• Color
• Fragrance
• Making the soap firm
• Lather, etc.
I tried to replacing each and every one of those chemicals with natural ingredients and today, I make 100% organic hand-made soaps. I even add some herbs to improve the quality and ensure my soaps are safe for the human skin. This gave me drive to do more and I started manufacturing hair oil because I have a lot of helpers on my farm. I use herbs in my coconut oil to make hair oil. I also learnt that hair oil is a mosquito repellent. So, I added a lot of herbs to make mosquito repellent in the form of an ointment. All these herbs are produced on my farm itself. This is how I have been expanding in my field. I see the potential to make more that 30-40 products out of coconuts. Farmers who are unable to get a good price for their coconuts can think of value-addition products. Nowadays, chutneys is also made in toothpaste form which can be stored by consumers for longer periods of time. A lot of people do not know that we can make pickles and chips out of coconut. The range of products is aplenty!
I am still trying for additional products. For the time being I produce three products from coconut on my farm – soaps, hair oil and mosquito repellent.
Where is your farm and processing units located?
This is in Coimbatore district, Pollachi Taluk. My farm is very near to the Aliyar Dam. It is situated about 7 kms from the Aliyar Dam.
Any thoughts why other farmers haven’t adopted venturing into by-products production, the way you did?
It is not difficult. Most farmers are lazy and fussy. Producing these by products is as easy or just as difficult as agriculture itself. When you compare the difficulties, problems and risks of agriculture with that of traders, I think problems and risks tend to be slightly more in trading. People are not taking the time to understand the industry. The second thing is they want to lead a trouble-free life. They do not want to take any kinds of risks.
Hypothetically when I use my own coconut produce and sell it and my coconut production becomes insufficient for me, I will purchase from other farmers right? When I purchase from them, I will definitely offer a better price than a coconut trader. I am not sure why people do not think proactively of such things. I am ready to offer all the required training in this aspect. Whoever comes to me, can be assured that I am ready to guide them. There are people who have approached and are making their way into this field. Like in every path, there are bound to be hurdles in the beginning. But, in no way is it any more difficult than doing agriculture. That is for sure.
What about your market for these produces? Are you successful in getting an assured market for these products?
Yes! My coconut oil costs 300/litre. Nowadays in the market, it is available from Rs. 140/litre. My price is more than double that amount. But unfortunately, what is sold in the market is not coconut oil made from coconuts. That is the difference. There is kerosene oil or white oil, a petroleum by product. The speciality of this white oil is that it is odourless, tasteless and colourless. It is just a viscous liquid that is available at the cost of Rs 20/litre. Traders purchase it and mix it with synthetic scent and essences to give a good coconut fragrance. In fact it can smell better than the original coconut oil. Sadly, the consumers accept that oil as coconut oil. I have written a book in Tamil called Thengayum Doctorum (Coconuts and Doctors) I have detailed how government officials in charge of food safety, can address these issues and make things right within a week or a month. If they go to a retailer and ask at what price he sells a litre of coconut oil. Obviously, he will say Rs 150/- If asked they will give details of their wholesaler too. The wholesaler should be questioned as to how he is able to produce and sell oil at Rs 140/litre, taking into consideration container, transportation, etc. That itself will cost of Rs 220. In that case they need to explain the process by which they cultivate such that they are able to sell the produce at Rs 140/- 1 lit of coconut oil is obtained from approximately 3kg copra. Nowadays, the copra price in the market is Rs 100/kg. In this scenario how can anyone make a deal of Rs 140/litre for coconut oil? It is evident that it is not a genuine product. In my book, I have openly asked the food and safety officers if they have anybody suffering from cancer in their family. Aren’t they also responsible for spilling in that disease? Adulteration of this kind spirals up the number of cancer patients in our country. There are people who regularly buy oil from me at Rs 300/litre. They are the ones who understand the quality and the real taste of coconut oil. We do not introduce any synthetic items.
You mentioned at some point that solar drying of copra is possible, which helps retain it for longer. How do people make it commercially viable?
That depends on the by-product the farmer aims at producing. There is no common formula for all products, especially since vegetables are perishable items. Hence, it should be reformed in the shortest time possible. Another thing is if you pursue the organic methodology of farming, which is the right thing to do, it is not permissible to add synthetic preservatives as well. In that case, finding the right consumer to get it off your shelf is also important. Approaching apartments is a good idea. They are a good target. Once you crack it, you will have a bulk of customers at one location. If your product is of good quality, rest assured you will have repeat orders.
What kind of investment should farmers be prepared to have for a similar venture?
The investment part isn’t much given they have the land and raw materials. If the investor is not a farmer, of course, there are lots of things to consider because they should start from scratch. For existing farmers, the investment for producing by products is a very small investment. Having said that, farmers need to carefully decide on the by-products they aim at manufacturing based on their location, proximity to the urban areas, etc. The technology for processing is not a big thing. It is highly affordable. There are 32+ products to choose from. The farmer can start small and build on it gradually.
And per your experience, by doing such activities, farmers should be able to earn more than what they earn currently from traders.
There is no doubt about that at all. Moreover, there are many possibilities. There is a very good market for medicinal plants, if any farmer chooses to opt for that. It will prove to be an additional income. If they go for the value addition of medicinal plants also, the income will definitely be doubled or tripled depending on the farmers’ capacity. The only thing is they should get involved in the activity passionately and with dedication.
What is your advice for people who may want to plunge into something similar – what do you think should be their first marketing steps?
The main thing is, farmers should be prepared to change his mind set and transform into organic farming. In this path, there is little scope or no scope for chemical farming because people are consciously looking out for organic products. Also, consumers are willing to pay slightly higher amounts for quality products. So, if there is a willingness to convert to organic farming by dealing with a few hindrances once in a while, it will a great decision. With this decision, penetration into the market will be quite easy. This is the correct time to venture this path. Even I have been in this field only for 8 years now. It has not been that long ago.
Do you process all the coconuts you get from your 50 acres?
No. Some quantity is still being sold as coconuts itself. But within a year, I foresee using all the coconuts on my farm for my production unit. I also foresee purchasing coconuts from another farmer in the following year.
– CONTACT –
Mr.Madhu Ramakrishnan Duraisamy, SANTHOSH FARMS
Kottur Malayandipattinam, Coimbatore (DT) 642114
Email: santhoshfarms@gmail.com
Phone:9442416543, 6382836063
I am an agriculturist by nature. I did my graduation and post-graduation in engineering. After my post-graduation, I worked in a government organization for 3 years at the Agricultural Engineering College. I resigned in the year 1975 and started an agro-input shop and entered the trading business and dealt with fertilizers and pesticides. I wasn’t fully satisfied with this venture because poisoning of our food products affects our health.
I lost my father in the year 1992. That is when I took direct charge over my 50-acre land. The land is blessed with very good water resources and rich soil. While doing my chemical farming, by the year 1996, when I was going through my accounts I was shocked to see that my expenditure was more than my income from the field. I understood that could not be a correct agriculture methodology. By that time, organic farming was in the buzz everywhere. My interest in organic farming grew with the progress of my research in it. Another methodology I came across was natural farming. Masanobu Fukoka, author of the famous book – the One Straw Revolution of Japan is said to be the father of natural farming to the whole world. In the year 2002, I got the golden opportunity to undergo a training given by Masanobu. He had come to Dehra Dun at the age of 95 to give a training. After understanding the basic concepts of natural farming clearly, I began following it in my farming practices. That way, I began producing clear, chemical-free coconuts in my farm for the last 20 years.
Unfortunately, there was no demand or premium price for my organic produce and I was taken aback. I pondered over the reason of this for I wanted to win this battle. That is when I decided to track the path of the coconuts sold at my farm to the end customer. Upon studying it, I realized that the coconut merchant who purchases my coconuts, sells it to a person who makes copra (dry coconut) out of it. This copra is then sold to an oil mill where it gets processed into coconut oil. This oil mill then sells it to a wholesale oil merchant, which then gets into the retail market before it reaches the end customer. At every stage, I realized, chemicals in some form is added for individual profit margins. This made me venture into the possibility of producing coconut oil on my farm and selling it to consumers. That way the profit eaten up by middle men can be shared by the consumers and me. Hence, I entered the value-addition industry of coconuts. The reason people add sulphur is to make the oil more attractive. While making copra, if there is a slight rain or cloudy weather, can give rise to bad odour. To avoid that, people use sulphur. Now, after making copra, they will stock it for up to 3-4 years before churning out the oil. Even during that time, there is opportunity for the copra to absorb moisture, which they avoid by using sulphur. Owing to the sulphur content in the oil, the oil becomes highly unhealthy. To avoid this, I have a solar dryer, which I utilize in the production of copra and after converting it into oil, I supply directly supply it to consumers. Today, I am totally satisfied.
Then I thought why stop at coconut oil alone, why not venture into other products as well? I then attended a training at Kerala to make hand-made soaps. They taught me how to make the soaps using chemicals. Once I understood how it is done, I got back and started making hand-made soaps – initially, with chemicals. I then researched how to avoid chemicals while making soaps. In my research, I listed down the reasons for which chemicals are being used in the soap manufacture. I realized that chemicals were used for:
• Color
• Fragrance
• Making the soap firm
• Lather, etc.
I tried to replacing each and every one of those chemicals with natural ingredients and today, I make 100% organic hand-made soaps. I even add some herbs to improve the quality and ensure my soaps are safe for the human skin. This gave me drive to do more and I started manufacturing hair oil because I have a lot of helpers on my farm. I use herbs in my coconut oil to make hair oil. I also learnt that hair oil is a mosquito repellent. So, I added a lot of herbs to make mosquito repellent in the form of an ointment. All these herbs are produced on my farm itself. This is how I have been expanding in my field. I see the potential to make more that 30-40 products out of coconuts. Farmers who are unable to get a good price for their coconuts can think of value-addition products. Nowadays, chutneys is also made in toothpaste form which can be stored by consumers for longer periods of time. A lot of people do not know that we can make pickles and chips out of coconut. The range of products is aplenty!
I am still trying for additional products. For the time being I produce three products from coconut on my farm – soaps, hair oil and mosquito repellent.
Where is your farm and processing units located?
This is in Coimbatore district, Pollachi Taluk. My farm is very near to the Aliyar Dam. It is situated about 7 kms from the Aliyar Dam.
Any thoughts why other farmers haven’t adopted venturing into by-products production, the way you did?
It is not difficult. Most farmers are lazy and fussy. Producing these by products is as easy or just as difficult as agriculture itself. When you compare the difficulties, problems and risks of agriculture with that of traders, I think problems and risks tend to be slightly more in trading. People are not taking the time to understand the industry. The second thing is they want to lead a trouble-free life. They do not want to take any kinds of risks.
Hypothetically when I use my own coconut produce and sell it and my coconut production becomes insufficient for me, I will purchase from other farmers right? When I purchase from them, I will definitely offer a better price than a coconut trader. I am not sure why people do not think proactively of such things. I am ready to offer all the required training in this aspect. Whoever comes to me, can be assured that I am ready to guide them. There are people who have approached and are making their way into this field. Like in every path, there are bound to be hurdles in the beginning. But, in no way is it any more difficult than doing agriculture. That is for sure.
What about your market for these produces? Are you successful in getting an assured market for these products?
Yes! My coconut oil costs 300/litre. Nowadays in the market, it is available from Rs. 140/litre. My price is more than double that amount. But unfortunately, what is sold in the market is not coconut oil made from coconuts. That is the difference. There is kerosene oil or white oil, a petroleum by product. The speciality of this white oil is that it is odourless, tasteless and colourless. It is just a viscous liquid that is available at the cost of Rs 20/litre. Traders purchase it and mix it with synthetic scent and essences to give a good coconut fragrance. In fact it can smell better than the original coconut oil. Sadly, the consumers accept that oil as coconut oil. I have written a book in Tamil called Thengayum Doctorum (Coconuts and Doctors) I have detailed how government officials in charge of food safety, can address these issues and make things right within a week or a month. If they go to a retailer and ask at what price he sells a litre of coconut oil. Obviously, he will say Rs 150/- If asked they will give details of their wholesaler too. The wholesaler should be questioned as to how he is able to produce and sell oil at Rs 140/litre, taking into consideration container, transportation, etc. That itself will cost of Rs 220. In that case they need to explain the process by which they cultivate such that they are able to sell the produce at Rs 140/- 1 lit of coconut oil is obtained from approximately 3kg copra. Nowadays, the copra price in the market is Rs 100/kg. In this scenario how can anyone make a deal of Rs 140/litre for coconut oil? It is evident that it is not a genuine product. In my book, I have openly asked the food and safety officers if they have anybody suffering from cancer in their family. Aren’t they also responsible for spilling in that disease? Adulteration of this kind spirals up the number of cancer patients in our country. There are people who regularly buy oil from me at Rs 300/litre. They are the ones who understand the quality and the real taste of coconut oil. We do not introduce any synthetic items.
You mentioned at some point that solar drying of copra is possible, which helps retain it for longer. How do people make it commercially viable?
That depends on the by-product the farmer aims at producing. There is no common formula for all products, especially since vegetables are perishable items. Hence, it should be reformed in the shortest time possible. Another thing is if you pursue the organic methodology of farming, which is the right thing to do, it is not permissible to add synthetic preservatives as well. In that case, finding the right consumer to get it off your shelf is also important. Approaching apartments is a good idea. They are a good target. Once you crack it, you will have a bulk of customers at one location. If your product is of good quality, rest assured you will have repeat orders.
What kind of investment should farmers be prepared to have for a similar venture?
The investment part isn’t much given they have the land and raw materials. If the investor is not a farmer, of course, there are lots of things to consider because they should start from scratch. For existing farmers, the investment for producing by products is a very small investment. Having said that, farmers need to carefully decide on the by-products they aim at manufacturing based on their location, proximity to the urban areas, etc. The technology for processing is not a big thing. It is highly affordable. There are 32+ products to choose from. The farmer can start small and build on it gradually.
And per your experience, by doing such activities, farmers should be able to earn more than what they earn currently from traders.
There is no doubt about that at all. Moreover, there are many possibilities. There is a very good market for medicinal plants, if any farmer chooses to opt for that. It will prove to be an additional income. If they go for the value addition of medicinal plants also, the income will definitely be doubled or tripled depending on the farmers’ capacity. The only thing is they should get involved in the activity passionately and with dedication.
What is your advice for people who may want to plunge into something similar – what do you think should be their first marketing steps?
The main thing is, farmers should be prepared to change his mind set and transform into organic farming. In this path, there is little scope or no scope for chemical farming because people are consciously looking out for organic products. Also, consumers are willing to pay slightly higher amounts for quality products. So, if there is a willingness to convert to organic farming by dealing with a few hindrances once in a while, it will a great decision. With this decision, penetration into the market will be quite easy. This is the correct time to venture this path. Even I have been in this field only for 8 years now. It has not been that long ago.
Do you process all the coconuts you get from your 50 acres?
No. Some quantity is still being sold as coconuts itself. But within a year, I foresee using all the coconuts on my farm for my production unit. I also foresee purchasing coconuts from another farmer in the following year.
– CONTACT –
Mr.Madhu Ramakrishnan Duraisamy, SANTHOSH FARMS
Kottur Malayandipattinam, Coimbatore (DT) 642114
Email: santhoshfarms@gmail.com
Phone:9442416543, 6382836063
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