The life of CR Poorni is one of persistence and dedication. She is a resident of Pudupattinam, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. She has dedicated her life to working with vetiver, a scented and highly prized grass. Her venture started not in farming but in crafting. She initially worked at making products of vetiver, like pillows, scrubs, Eye cooling masks and other crafts. The eco-friendly and natural nature of vetiver fascinated her and saw the potential of creating something worthwhile and sustainable.
Venturing into Vetiver Farming
She upgraded her skills by venturing into vetiver farming in 2023. With an investment of 50 cents worth of land along Pudupattinam, she started farming vetiver. This Farming gives another thrust to her agripreneur journey. Vetiver is not a variety-based crop unlike several other crops. This aromatic and medicinal plant has special traits that make it one of the highly demanded plants, particularly for the fragrance of its roots and binding properties of its soil.
Gaining Expertise Through Training
Poorni’s passion for learning and self-improvement led her to seek formal training in vetiver product-making. She attended a government-run training program under CSIR, where she mastered the art of crafting various products from vetiver. The knowledge she gained not only helped her refine her skills but also opened the door to new opportunities.
With time, she didn’t just keep the learning to herself—she became a trainer. She is currently actively involved in training others in making products out of vetiver so that more individuals benefit from this activity. In 2024, she was a certified trainer in the Chengalpattu district, spreading her skill-upgradation mission to a larger population.
Building a Successful Business: Swayambhu Handicraft Mart
Her venture, Swayambhu Handicraft Mart, is situated along the Chennai-Pondicherry highway. With this mart, she markets her homemade vetiver products, attracting customers who like the natural and environmentally friendly character of her products.
Her venture has been successful, and now she earns an annual income of around 6 to 7 lakh rupees. Her success is an inspiration to how well-established crafts can, when combined with farming and entrepreneurship skills, develop into a profitable and sustainable income.
Empowering Others Through Training
CR Poorni makes an impact in the community as well aside from being an entrepreneur. She actually conducts regular training with others, imparting her knowledge on making vetiver products and on farming. Being a trainer, she is able to inspire other would-be agripreneurs to construct their own businesses and livelihoods. Through sharing her knowledge, she is creating an effect that will touch many others in the industry of farming and handicraft.
An Inspiration for Women Agripreneurs
The farming and agribusiness communities can draw great inspiration from her experience. It demonstrates the possibilities of integrating contemporary entrepreneurial techniques with traditional expertise. Her story inspires others, particularly women, to pursue careers in agribusiness, acquire new skills, and establish long-term revenue streams. CR Poorni’s dedication and hard work prove that with the right mindset and perseverance, success in agriculture and agribusiness is achievable for anyone willing to take the leap.
