Meenakshi Nagar’s journey from an educated homemaker in Gwalior to a successful entrepreneur exporting herbal products globally is nothing short of inspirational. Fueled by the PMEGP scheme, she secured financial backing to set up a unit crafting eco-friendly puja essentials from cow dung, proving that innovation lies in everyday resources.
Inspired by her father-in-law’s teachings on cow protection and resource utilization, Meenakshi, holder of an MBA in marketing, ditched job hunts for self-employment. With Rs 7 lakhs loan and Rs 1.75 lakhs grant, she bought machinery for producing chemical-free agarbatti, dhupbatti, havan samagri, and organic compost.
Her business boasts over Rs 20 lakhs yearly revenue, employing 20 locals—mostly women—and reaching international markets like Canada and Nigeria. ‘Why go abroad for income when treasures are at home?’ she quotes her mentor. Products are now staples in city stores, with herbal colors in demand for upcoming festivals.
Facing growth pangs with limited space, Meenakshi plans to scale via additional schemes. Her venture not only drives economic empowerment but champions environmental sustainability, turning waste into wealth and tradition into trade.