scheme-propellingentrepreneurs: Monika Mohite, a pioneering figure in agriculture, bolsters Rs 50 lakh yearly revenues via organic farming and nutrient-dense supplementary foods.
Determined and visionary farmer Monika Mohite from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is making waves in the organic farming scene. With an impressive academic background - a Master's in English Literature, a postgraduate degree in Computer Science, and a Diploma in Creative Writing - Monika is more than just a scholar. Her passion for clean, healthy food has led her to become a strong voice in the organic farming movement.
Monika's journey into farming began personally, driven by concerns about her son's nutrition. A sportsperson herself, she noticed a nutritional gap in commercially available energy boosters. Deciding to fill that void, she started growing and making natural, clean energy-boosting food. Thus, Paarakhi Organic Farms was born.
The Roots of Paarakhi Organic Farms
The name Paarakhi holds deep significance, translating to "someone who has an eye for the genuine." It is a touching homage to the two women who inspired Monika deeply - her mother-in-law Parvati and her daughter Khyati. The farm's name encapsulates the familial bond and the intergenerational legacy of wellness that Monika represents.
Initially, Monika lacked formal agricultural training. However, she quickly remedied this by attending workshops, consulting experts, and learning through direct experience. One key breakthrough came during her training at ICAR-CIAE in Bhopal, where she discovered that soy flour, when mixed with other flours in the right proportions, significantly enhances protein content. This insight formed the basis for many of Paarakhi's core products.
A Vibrant, Self-Sustaining Eco-System
Spread across 40 acres, Paarakhi Organic Farms is a bustling, diverse ecosystem. Key crops such as soybeans and sugarcane, transformed into high-protein flour and jaggery powder respectively, are major sellers[1]. Among the 150 mango trees, Monika cultivates fruits for her farm's fruit products. Additionally, she grows chikoo, rice, jowar, and pulses.
An innovation that sets Paarakhi apart is the production of dhoop sticks from cow dung, initially dismissed by others but now celebrated for its eco-friendliness and urban market demand. The farm also generates daily income from the sale of fresh vegetables and eggs. With seasonal, climatic, and demand fluctuations, Paarakhi's annual income ranges between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore[1], a testament to Monika's business acumen and agricultural wisdom.
Navigating Obstacles and Educating Stakeholders
Convincing fellow farmers and laborers to adopt organic practices proved challenging for Monika. Many were skeptical, especially about the profitability of organic methods. However, as Monika's farm demonstrated the viability of organic farming through its results, skepticism gave way to belief.
One of the significant hurdles facing organic farming is the lack of fair pricing for farmers. Without direct market access or awareness of soil degradation, many farmers fall back on chemical methods for quick returns. Monika advocates for the elimination of middlemen and fostering direct connections between farmers and consumers.
Building a Digital Bridge through GFBN
Monika is an active member of the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), a platform where agricultural professionals collaborate and learn[2]. She believes that digital platforms dedicated to farmers can play a pivotal role in creating a bridge between them and consumers, potentially revolutionizing agriculture.
From One Mother to Many: A Promise of Pure Food
Monika's mission is deeply personal, reflecting her commitment to providing clean, nutrient-rich food for her children and all children. She believes that this generation deserves better than the bland, chemically laden foods that dominate the market. With Paarakhi, Monika isn't just reviving traditional farming; she is reviving a way of life rooted in wellness, balance, and natural growth.
[1] Source: Enrichment Data: Agricultural Practices[2] Source: Enrichment Data: GFBN
First published on 13 Jun 2025, 10:50 IST
- Monika Mohite's passion for clean, healthy food led her to create a lifestyle brand focused on organic farming, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition, named Paarakhi Organic Farms, offering healthy-diets and food-and-drink products.
- The farm's unique eco-system, spread across 40 acres, includes soybeans, sugarcane, mangoes, chikoo, rice, jowar, and pulses, along with innovative products like dhoop sticks made from cow dung, showcasing the benefits of fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness in a sustainable lifestyle.
- Monika's initiatives extend beyond her farm, as she advocates for educational programs on nutrition, organic farming, and digital farming platforms through organizations like the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), aiming to bridge the gap between farmers, consumers, and wellness-conscious individuals worldwide.
