How did this begin?
My wife Dharshana and I started ecotourism in 2011 that offered treks, camps and forest expeditions in the Western ghats. The strength of the tribal community there amazed us. We came to understand that it was due to the bamboo variety they consumed. When we took the lab test of the bamboo, the results revealed that it contained 73 per cent of silica and was rich in minerals and vitamins. We wanted to offer it to everyone and started with bamboo leaf tea. We received Rs10 lakh grant from Startup TN under the TANSEED 3.0. Covid halted our ecotourism and so, we decided to expand our bamboo based offerings. Now our business has scaled to 82 plus bamboo-based products across categories.
What makes your products and processes unique?
We are the only player in bamboo industry from Tamil Nadu and rely completely on a chemical-free and traditional method to process. We soak the bamboo in neem and Kadukkai for 25-35 days. This prevents insect damage and also helps retain bamboo’s natural anti-bacterial properties. Each of our bottles can last about two years and is reusable beyond that. Most importantly, we use a circular production system that ensures nothing goes to waste in the production and every scrap is converted into biocharcoal for fertiliser and personal care products. Bamboo has 11 to 12 edible derivatives, high in fibre, zinc, copper and calcium. Calcium deficiency is extremely common, particularly among women and we are making products that address that.
What are the challenges that you face?
Our key challenges lie in manufacturing, pricing and skilled labour. Machinery from countries like Taiwan, Malaysia and China are not suited to the varied structure of south Indian bamboo. To address this, we have designed and built the machines by ourselves, after years of trial and refinement. A cutting machine costing Rs 1.5 lakh abroad was built by us for Rs 40,000. On the market side, while the value of bamboo products is clear, customer awareness is still evolving. Many continue to compare them with cheaper plastic alternatives. Post covid, awareness has improved in cities like Bangalore and Chennai but in tier-2 markets such as Madurai, customers still hesitate due to the upfront costs despite the product’s long-term value. Another major hurdle has been the lack of skilled workers, as traditional bamboo craft has faded. To address this, we began training families, growing from four individuals to over 200 women across regions like Ranipet, Coimbatore and Sivakasi. Under the Naan Mudhalvan scheme, we run a certified 28-day programme. At our Salem outlet, about 40 students, including physically challenged individuals, attend free classes twice a week. Our idea is simple: We train deeply and let trainees become trainers, creating a multiplier effect.
Can you brief us on your growth journey?
In 2024, we became a private company and our last year’s turnover was Rs 21 lakh. This year, we have crossed Rs 35 lakh till now. In terms of physical footprint, we have built a bamboo auditorium at Madurai Kamaraj University. In Mahendragiri, a resort project is under way. At our factory, we have planted 54 bamboo varieties, creating a living research base. Currently, pilot studies are ongoing, with plans to establish a full bamboo research institute within three years. We have also planted over 50,000 trees. Financially, we received Rs 10 lakh under TANSEED 3.0 and secured a Rs 60 lakh fund tranche, with the second tranche in process.