Gajanan Sidram Argile, a young and determined individual from Berli village in the Nanded district of Maharashtra, pursued his academic journey by earning a degree in Agriculture. After graduation, he aspired to secure a government job and made several attempts at competitive examinations. However, despite his efforts, he was unable to achieve the desired success.
Undeterred by these setbacks, Gajanan decided to venture into the field of agribusiness. He established an agricultural input supply center named “Appaji Agro Services Center.” Initially, the business showed promise, but sustaining it proved challenging. The competitive market conditions made it difficult to continue operations without compromising on product quality—something Gajanan was unwilling to do.
Venturing into Oil Production: A Turning Point
Recognizing the potential of local agricultural produce, Gajanan turned his attention to safflower (Kardai), an abundantly cultivated crop in Mukhed taluka. He noticed a significant gap in the local processing infrastructure, which presented an opportunity. He decided to start an oil production business with a vision to add value to local produce and support the farming community.
Gajanan began small, setting up an oil extraction unit on his farm. He opted for a traditional method, using a wooden press (lakdi ghana) to extract oil. This choice was driven by his commitment to producing high-quality, chemical-free oil. His focus on authenticity, purity, and professionalism quickly earned his products a reputation, and the business began to gain momentum.
Embracing Modern Technology Through Training
In April 2022, Gajanan took a significant step toward modernizing his enterprise. He participated in a four-day technical training program at the Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). The training provided him with valuable insights into advanced oil extraction techniques and business management.
Empowered by this new knowledge, he applied for support under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. With the scheme’s assistance, he purchased an electric oil extraction machine worth ₹10 lakhs, which has a processing capacity of 2 quintals per hour. Importantly, he received a generous subsidy of ₹9 lakhs, significantly reducing his investment burden.
Production Scale and Market Reach
Today, Gajanan operates his business under the brand name “Appaji Tel Udyog.” In the past year alone, he processed 600 quintals of safflower, along with 50 quintals each of groundnut and sunflower. His products are well-received in the market, with safflower oil retailing at ₹290 per liter, and groundnut and sunflower oils priced at ₹280 per liter.
Thanks to consistent quality and strong customer trust, his enterprise now generates a monthly turnover of ₹80,000 to ₹90,000. His oils are appreciated for being natural, unrefined, and rich in nutrients, catering to the growing demand for healthy food products.
Strengthening Farmer Connections: A Sustainable Model
One of the most commendable aspects of Gajanan’s business model is his close collaboration with local farmers. He actively encourages them to grow safflower by assuring them of a reliable market for their produce. In an innovative arrangement, when farmers bring their safflower for oil extraction, he does not charge them money. Instead, he accepts oil cake (the by-product of the extraction process) as compensation. This win-win model benefits both parties—farmers save on processing costs, and Gajanan gains a valuable by-product that can be used as livestock feed or organic fertilizer.
A Story of Resilience and Innovation
Gajanan Argile’s journey from an aspiring government job seeker to a successful agro-entrepreneur is a powerful testament to the potential of rural youth when equipped with education, training, and determination. By leveraging traditional knowledge and modern technology, he has built a sustainable business that not only ensures his livelihood but also uplifts the local farming community.
His story is an inspiration to young graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs across the country showing that with the right mindset, challenges can be transformed into opportunities.