Monika Mohite, a determined and visionary agripreneur from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, has emerged as a strong voice in the organic farming movement. With a Master's in English Literature, a postgraduate degree in Computer Science, and a Diploma in Creative Writing, Monika's academic accomplishments are as diverse as they are impressive. But beyond academics, she embodies strength, clarity of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a healthier place through clean, naturally grown food.
Her foray into farming was deeply personal. In 2008, as her son began his career in professional racing, a dietician's remark caught her attention: he would need energy bars and protein supplements to enhance his strength and endurance. A sportsperson herself, Monika immediately recognized the nutritional gap in commercially available products.
Her instincts as a mother and an athlete compelled her to embark on a mission, if such clean, natural energy-boosting food wasn’t available in the market, she would grow and make it herself. Thus began the journey of Paarakhi Organic Farms.
Paarakhi Organic Farms: A Legacy Rooted in Family and Authenticity
Monika's organic venture was named Paarakhi, a word that translates to “someone who has an eye for the genuine.” The name is a heartfelt blend of the names of two women who inspired her deeply: her mother-in-law Parvati and her daughter Khyati. “Aai (mother) introduced me to the world of farming, and this is my humble tribute to her,” Monika shares, highlighting the familial bond and the intergenerational legacy of wellness.
Initially, Monika had little formal training in agriculture. But beginning in 2010, she immersed herself in intensive study, attending workshops, consulting experts, and learning through direct experience. One pivotal moment came during her training at ICAR-CIAE in Bhopal, where she learned that soy flour, when mixed in the right proportion with other flours, significantly enhances protein content.
It was these discoveries, layered through study and experimentation, that began shaping the core products of Paarakhi. Even today, Monika actively keeps her knowledge updated to ensure her offerings remain both relevant and nutritionally potent.
A Self-Sustaining Organic Ecosystem
Spread over 40 acres, Paarakhi Organic Farms is a vibrant, diverse ecosystem. From crops and pulses to cattle and poultry, Monika’s model is rooted in integrated, sustainable farming. Among her key commercial crops are soybeans, which are milled into high-protein flour, and sugarcane, used to make jaggery powder, both of which are bestsellers. Her mango orchard, boasting around 150 trees, provides the pulp used in her farm’s fruit products. Additionally, she cultivates chikoo (sapodilla), rice, jowar, and pulses.
An innovation that stands out is her production of dhoop sticks made from cow dung, a practice initially ridiculed but now celebrated for its eco-friendliness and demand in urban wellness markets. Her farm also generates daily revenue from the sale of fresh vegetables and eggs. Depending on seasonal demand, supply conditions, and climate factors, her annual income ranges between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore, a testament to both her business acumen and agricultural wisdom.
Navigating Resistance and Educating Stakeholders
One of Monika’s toughest challenges was convincing fellow farmers and laborers to adopt organic practices. Many were skeptical, especially about the viability and profitability of using farm-made composts, manures, and natural repellents. "They dismissed my ideas, particularly the concept of making dhoop sticks from cow dung," she recalls. But Monika remained resolute. Slowly, as her results spoke louder than words, those around her began to believe.
She emphasizes that one of the major roadblocks to organic farming is the lack of fair pricing for farmers. Without a direct market or awareness of soil degradation, farmers often fall back on chemical methods to ensure immediate returns. Monika advocates for the elimination of middlemen and building systems where farmers connect directly with consumers. This, she believes, is crucial for the long-term success of sustainable agriculture.
Building a Digital Bridge Through GFBN
Monika is also a member of the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), where she hopes to foster meaningful connections and share knowledge with fellow progressive farmers. She believes that a digital platform dedicated to farmers, where they can market their products directly to consumers, could revolutionize agriculture. According to her, digital media houses like Krishi Jagran can play a pivotal role in creating this bridge.
The GFBN Summit, she believes, holds promise not just for collaboration but for creating a collective voice strong enough to reshape India's agricultural future. "Every farmer has something unique to offer, and a common platform can ensure that everyone benefits, from producers to consumers," Monika asserts.
From One Mother to Many: A Promise of Pure Food
At the heart of Monika’s venture lies a deeply emotional motivation: motherhood. “If I can’t provide good food to my own children, what’s the point of my work?” she often says. Her mission, however, extends beyond her family. She is determined to provide clean, nutrient-rich food to all children, believing that today’s generation deserves better than the bland, chemical-laced foods that dominate the market.
She often reflects on the vast difference between the food she grew up eating and what is available today. The vibrant, nutrient-rich produce of her childhood has been replaced by mass-produced items with little nutritional value. With Paarakhi, she is not just reviving traditional farming but reviving a way of life rooted in wellness, balance, and natural growth.
Monika Mohite is more than a farmer, she is a mother, an entrepreneur, a trailblazer, and a community leader. With Paarakhi, she has built more than a business; she has created a movement rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and care. Her journey from a mother concerned about her son’s nutrition to a nationally recognized organic farmer with a Rs 50 lakh turnover exemplifies what vision, education, and resilience can achieve.
In a world increasingly disconnected from its food sources, Monika stands as a reminder of what’s possible when we choose to grow mindfully, eat consciously, and live purposefully.
Note: Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) is a dynamic platform where agricultural professionals, farmer entrepreneurs, innovators, buyers, investors, and policymakers - converge to share knowledge, experiences, and scale their businesses. Powered by Krishi Jagran, GFBN facilitates meaningful connections and collaborative learning opportunities that drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development through shared expertise. Join GFBN today: https://millionairefarmer.in/gfbn
