Kavya Dhoble-Datkhile's story is nothing short of inspiring. She left behind a secure, well-paying government job as a nurse in Mumbai to pursue her passion for chemical-free farming and vermicomposting. Today, her venture generates an impressive annual income of up to Rs 24 lakh. Not only has she built a successful business, but Kavya has also trained over 200 aspiring vermicomposting entrepreneurs and actively educates others on the benefits of chemical-free farming. 

Education and career

Kavya Dhoble-Datkhile began her career after completing a diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery. She took her first steps in healthcare by working at the prestigious Sion Hospital in Mumbai, followed by a two-year stint at Tata Cancer Hospital. In 2017, after earning her BSc in Nursing, Kavya transitioned into teaching at a private college. She later returned to Sion Hospital as a staff nurse, continuing her career in the healthcare sector before ultimately deciding to pursue her passion for sustainable farming and vermicomposting.

Working at a hospital 

Kavya Dhoble-Datkhile worked at Sion Hospital from 2019 to 2022, during the harrowing days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a frontline healthcare worker, she witnessed the stark realities of life and death up close. The intense pressure of those years led her to a powerful realization: the impact of chemical-laden food on our immunity. Seeing so many people suffering from compromised health made her reflect on the importance of natural, chemical-free food in building immunity. 

Embracing the change

Kavya Dhoble-Datkhile contracted COVID-19 herself during the pandemic but was able to recover, crediting her strong immunity for her survival. Once she recovered, Kavya made the life-changing decision to pursue organic farming. In 2022, she chose to leave her well-paying job at Sion Hospital, despite facing opposition from those around her who were concerned about her decision. However, her husband, Rajesh Datkhile, stood by her side, offering unwavering support as she transitioned into the world of sustainable farming and vermicomposting. His encouragement gave her the confidence to follow her passion and embark on this new chapter of her life.

New ventures

In 2022, Kavya moved to Datkhilwadi, a small village in Junnar, which is her husband's hometown. There, she found a 5-Guntha (0.02 acres) plot of vacant land that she used for organic farming and vermicomposting. In August of that year, Kavya took her first step into vermiculture by purchasing 1 kg of earthworms from a local farmer. She set up a small vermicomposting bed and patiently nurtured her new venture. By October 2022, her first batch of vermicompost was ready, marking the beginning of her journey into sustainable farming.

Krishi Kavya

In March 2023, Kavya launched her vermicompost under the brand name 'Krishi Kavya'. The exceptional results of her product quickly caught the attention of local farmers. One farmer, impressed by the quality of the vermicompost, purchased 5 tons for Rs 50,000. As word spread, Kavya’s business gained further momentum. A foundation, recognizing the potential of her product, bought 2,000 kg of earthworms to distribute to 2,000 farmers, with Kavya selling the earthworms at Rs 400 per kg. This marked a significant milestone in her venture, as her efforts to promote sustainable farming continued to gain traction across the region.

Achieving success

As Kavya’s business continued to grow, she also focused on giving back to her community by educating local farmers about the benefits of organic farming. She launched a YouTube channel, where she conducts interviews with experienced farmers and shares valuable insights on best farming practices. This platform has become a valuable resource for many farmers, who benefit from Kavya’s expertise and knowledge.

In her first year of business, Kavya achieved an impressive turnover of Rs 24 lakh. Building on this success, she has set a new goal: to reach a turnover of Rs 50 lakh this year. Through her commitment to sustainability and education, Kavya is steadily making a lasting impact on the farming community while expanding her business.

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