Maharashtra Farmer Mahesh Kadam Innovates with Moringa Powder Sales
Mahesh Kadam from Maharashtra transforms moringa cultivation into a lucrative business, selling powder at Rs 1,200 per kg using solar drying techniques.
Mahesh Kadam produces nearly one tonne of moringa powder monthly.
He invested Rs 29 lakh in solar drying technology, receiving a Rs 10 lakh subsidy.
Moringa cultivation can yield profits of Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per acre.
In a remarkable agricultural innovation, Mahesh Kadam, a farmer from Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, has successfully turned moringa cultivation into a profitable venture by processing its leaves into powder. Selling at Rs 1,200 per kilogram, Kadam produces nearly one tonne of moringa powder each month, utilizing both solar and electric drying methods.
Kadam's journey began when traditional crops like sugarcane and onions provided inconsistent returns for his family. Seeking alternatives, he proposed moringa cultivation, which piqued his father's interest after visiting several successful moringa farms in Solapur. The family chose the Valayapatti variety, known for its high yield and resilience to drought, and planted it in July 2025, harvesting their first crop in September.
The initial harvest yielded 6,000 kg of fresh leaves from three acres, resulting in approximately 600 kg of dried leaves. Kadam estimates that even without processing, moringa cultivation can generate profits of Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per acre. However, he recognized the potential for increased earnings by converting the leaves into powder, leading to his investment in processing equipment.
To facilitate this, Kadam invested Rs 29 lakh in various solar dryers and a heat pump dryer, which allows for drying during the monsoon season. He received a subsidy of Rs 10 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, covering about 35% of the project costs. This investment has opened a new revenue stream, significantly enhancing the profitability of his business.
Looking ahead, Kadam aims to expand his operations by venturing into the dehydration of fruits and vegetables, further diversifying his product offerings. His innovative approach not only boosts his family's income but also contributes to the growing market for health-oriented food products in India.
