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In 2018, Kokila launched her food manufacturing business with an initial investment of Rs 25 lakh.
The initial phase of her business was challenging.
Kokila Khanna, a resident of Pudur village in Tanjore district, has transformed her passion into a thriving business. Once an assistant manager at a private bank, Kokila decided to switch careers and venture into the food industry. With her husband, a marine engineer, by her side, she took a bold step into entrepreneurship. Her journey began when she joined the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM) in Thanjavur for training. The institute, under the Central Government, is renowned for its contributions to food production and entrepreneurship. Kokila received guidance on starting a business, which inspired her to create healthy snacks using small grains like millet, rye, corn, and sorghum.
In 2018, Kokila launched her food manufacturing business with an initial investment of Rs 25 lakh, supplemented by Rs 50 lakh from the Tamil Nadu government’s NEEDS grant and loan scheme. With the funds, she purchased modern food processing machines and set up a factory in Orathanadu. Today, her enterprise employs 15 locals, including women and youth.
The initial phase of her business was challenging. “At first, people didn’t like our products, and it was hard to get them into stores,” Kokila shared. Her husband would personally visit shops and explain the benefits of their Rs 5 millet biscuits. Over time, their persistence paid off, and demand grew steadily.
Today, Kokila’s company purchases raw materials worth Rs 5–10 lakh monthly and earns a profit of Rs 1–2 lakh. Despite her lack of prior experience in the food industry, her determination and support from her husband and workers have been key to her success.
Kokila credits NIFTEM for guiding her journey and believes that hard work and focus are essential for overcoming challenges. She dreams of introducing more innovative and organic snacks to the market, continuing to promote healthy eating and sustainable farming practices.
Her story stands as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with courage and dedication, even the toughest goals can be achieved.
This post was originally published on here
