Greetings on behalf of Iyarkai Vazhvagam. I am Yamunadevi Sureshkumar, and we are currently focused on creating value-added products. While we initially started with natural farming, we have now transitioned into the next evolutionary phase. Instead of selling the raw produce exactly as it comes from the land, we are implementing value-addition techniques to enhance our offerings.

The Synergy of Native Livestock and Aromatic Plants

Our value-addition process involves combining two distinct sectors. We utilize the dung and urine of native cows. Many farmers often focus solely on milk products as their primary source of income, but we have added value by incorporating dung and urine as essential raw materials. Furthermore, we cultivate aromatic plants using natural farming methods. The essential oils extracted from these crops are integrated with cow-based materials to create various items, including products used for worship.

The Art of Essential Oil Extraction

To facilitate our production, we have established a dedicated unit for extracting essential oils. The process begins by lighting a fire using wood to heat a vessel already filled with water. Once the fire is lit, the unit is closed and a blower is activated. This generates water steam which travels through a connected pipeline. In our garden, we primarily focus on extracting oils from two varieties: lemongrass and palmarosa. The steam passes through an inlet and boils the herbs placed inside the chamber. The resulting hot output steam enters a condenser. As the heated vapor moves through the condenser, it cools down and is collected in a container. The collected liquid consists of both water vapor and oil. Since oil is lighter than water, it settles at the top, allowing us to easily separate and collect the pure essential oil.

Natural Alternatives for Daily Life

Under Swastika Enterprises, we manufacture over fifteen different products. One such product is our natural toothpowder. Made entirely from natural ingredients, it is designed to address issues such as gum swelling, bleeding, and toothaches. We also produce various types of incense, including cup sambrani, computer sambrani, and guggul sambrani. Unlike many commercial products that rely on chemicals, our sambrani uses natural raw materials. This ensures that when the fragrance is inhaled, it provides a sense of refreshment rather than just a scent.

Our soap production uses coconut oil as a base. We create a wide range of soaps, including bathing soaps, dishwashing soaps, and laundry soaps. We do not source fragrances from outside. Instead, we use the essential oils extracted directly from our own garden to provide a natural scent to all our soaps.

Transforming Waste into Wealth

We are committed to the philosophy of turning waste into wealth. For instance, we are developing value-added alternatives to plastic using specialized technology. We produce approximately ten to fifteen types of products derived from cow dung. This range starts from traditional items like Vibhuti (sacred ash) and extends to scientifically proven anti-radiant products. We are even looking toward the production of paint as our next step. By adding value to materials that are often considered waste, we ensure that nothing goes unused.

Empowerment through Isha’s Save Soil Movement

Our vision is to demonstrate that every basic household necessity required from morning until night can be produced within a single family. In collaboration with Isha’s Save Soil Movement, we conduct numerous training sessions to share this knowledge. Many women are actively participating in these programs. The process requires patience. For instance, after production, items are left to dry for six to seven days to ensure they are properly set. We use oils like lemongrass and citronella for both their fragrance and their functional benefits.

Previously, I was doing this work individually. However, with the goal of showcasing these methods to the world and sharing this knowledge with others, we have been conducting these programs every single month without fail through Isha’s Save Soil Movement. Awareness is growing steadily. Beyond our own production, hundreds and thousands of women are participating in these sessions. They are not just learning the craft but are adopting it as a profession to enhance their own livelihoods. We invite everyone to continue this journey and benefit from our upcoming classes.