Dharambir Kamboj From Rags to Riches, Transforming Farming with Innovative Food Processing Machines

Dharambir Kamboj’s journey from humble beginnings in a Haryana village to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. His story is a remarkable tale of overcoming adversity and creating innovative solutions that empower farmers and rural micro-entrepreneurs.

A Humble Start

Born and raised in Damla, a village in Yamunanagar, Haryana, Dharambir faced financial hardships in his early teens. The need to support his family and provide medical treatment for his ailing mother and sister forced him to halt his education. Dharambir took up farming and looked after his family’s agricultural and herbal plantations. However, the income from farming was insufficient to meet their needs, let alone cover medical expenses.

Tragedy struck when Dharambir’s mother passed away due to her illness. His sister required ongoing medical treatment, and at the same time, Dharambir’s own daughter was born. The financial burden became overwhelming, pushing Dharambir to seek a way out of this dire situation.

In the early ’80s, Dharambir decided to move to Delhi in search of employment opportunities. However, without a formal degree, securing a stable job proved to be a significant challenge. To make ends meet, he took on various odd jobs, including working as a rickshaw puller in Delhi’s Khari Bawli area.

It was during this time that Dharambir stumbled upon a revelation. He noticed that some of his rickshaw passengers were paying substantial amounts for processed fruit products, which surprised him. He knew that in his village, these fruits were abundant and sold at minimal prices. This realization ignited his curiosity about why these products commanded such high prices in the market.

A Vision Takes Root:

Dharambir’s curiosity led him to explore the potential of herbs, fruits, and extracts. His entrepreneurial spirit was awakened, but it wasn’t until a road accident in 1987 left him seriously injured and bedridden that he decided to return to his village and resume farming. Dharambir’s vision was to tap into the market demand for organic and natural products. He conducted experiments related to organic farming, mushroom cultivation, vermicomposting, and more. His innovative farming methods earned him recognition, especially for his cultivation of rare fruits like strawberries in Haryana.

In 2004, an opportunity arose when Dharambir learned about aloe vera cultivation and its potential medicinal applications during a visit to Rajasthan. This marked the beginning of his journey into the world of aloe vera-based products.

Innovation and Patents:

While exploring the possibilities in the food processing industry, Dharambir encountered a significant hurdle—a high-priced processing machine quoted at Rs 5 lakh. Undeterred by the steep cost, he decided to create his own machine. With an investment of Rs 25,000 and eight months of relentless effort, Dharambir developed the Multipurpose Processing Machine—a portable, user-friendly device capable of various functions such as pulverizing, mixing, steaming, pressure-cooking, and juice/oil/gel extraction.

This machine, designed and developed by Dharambir, earned him a patent from the National Innovation Foundation. It could process over 100 varieties of fruits and herbs, revolutionizing food processing in rural areas.

Empowering Farmers and Rural Entrepreneurs:

Dharambir’s journey didn’t stop at innovation. He started selling these machines across India and in 15 countries, including the US, Italy, Nepal, Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Uganda. By doing so, he empowered farmers and rural micro-entrepreneurs to achieve higher profits by processing locally grown fruits and herbal crops.

Additionally, Dharambir organized workshops and training programs, benefitting over 7,000 individuals, with a significant focus on women entrepreneurs. His commitment to social impact extended beyond entrepreneurship.

Challenges and Future Goals:

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, causing financial and logistical disruptions to Dharambir’s operations. However, support from initiatives like Powering Livelihoods, a CEEW-Villgro initiative, provided the much-needed assistance to navigate these tough times. Financial support and mentorship helped streamline the business, enhance machine efficiency, and increase production capacity.

Looking ahead, Dharambir Kamboj aspires to expand his reach within India and internationally. His vision is to see his food processing machines utilized in at least 100 countries, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in the agriculture and food processing sectors.

Dharambir Kamboj’s incredible journey from rags to riches is a testament to his unwavering determination and commitment to creating a positive impact on the lives of farmers and rural entrepreneurs. His innovative machines and entrepreneurial spirit continue to transform the landscape of food processing in India and beyond.