MSME SuperPower:
From Yoga Mat to Entrepreneurial Path: My Journey with Mudit Agrotech
Mohini Upadhye
Owner, Mudit Agrotech, Nashik, Maharashtra
As a yoga trainer turned entrepreneur with a deep passion for healthy living, I’ve always believed in the power of traditional goodness. Cold-pressed oils, for example, have always fascinated me for their purity and nutritional value. In September 2022, I decided to transform this passion into a mission—to bridge the nutritional gaps in modern diets with the wholesome benefits of these oils.
Relocating from Mumbai to Nashik, Maharashtra, wasn’t just a change in scenery; it was the beginning of a journey that became much more than a business venture. It was about reviving age-old wisdom and creating something that genuinely improves people’s well-being.
Rooted in Tradition, Driven by Purpose
Cold-pressed oils, with their ability to retain natural nutrients, stand as a healthier alternative to heavily processed, refined oils. My vision for Mudit Agrotech was simple: to offer authentic, high-quality products that resonate with the growing trend of wholesome, sustainable living.
Coming from a yoga and management background, I didn’t have a business pedigree, but I had an unwavering belief in my mission. Starting a company from scratch was no small feat. Bootstrapping the business, setting up manufacturing units, and managing daily operations single-handedly pushed me to my limits. But each challenge was a lesson in perseverance, adaptability, and innovation.
The name Mudit, meaning “eternal happiness” in Sanskrit, reflects our philosophy of spreading health and joy. Starting with a modest investment of ₹10 lakhs, we now manufacture 14 varieties of wooden cold-pressed oils, including mustard, groundnut, sesame, and coconut oils. Over time, our product range expanded to include honey and panchagavya products, all crafted using traditional techniques with zero additives. We source our raw materials locally from Nashik and Ahmednagar, maintaining the nutritional integrity of our products. And as we grow, we’re setting our sights on sourcing from states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, further strengthening our supply chain.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The early days were anything but easy. Handling everything—from production and marketing to customer outreach—felt overwhelming. But I learned to face each obstacle with determination. One of my biggest lessons? Never give up, no matter how tough it gets.
Our first big break came from participating in exhibitions. These events were game-changers, helping us connect directly with customers and learn about market trends. One such exhibition led to a supermarket chain discovering our products, resulting in our oils being stocked in their stores—a milestone I’ll never forget.
Transforming with Walmart Vriddhi
In June 2023, I joined the Walmart Vriddhi program, which became a turning point in my entrepreneurial journey. Through personalized mentorship, I learned to break down challenges, set realistic goals, and focus on what truly matters for growth.
One key insight was the importance of marketing and branding. While I was confident in my product’s quality, I realized I wasn’t effectively communicating its benefits to customers. With guidance, I began focusing on “benefit selling,” educating people about the health advantages of cold-pressed oils and how to use them in daily life.
The program also taught me the importance of financial planning. With support from family members who are chartered accountants, I was able to streamline our finances, making the business self-sustaining.
Remarkable Growth and Sustainability
Since joining the program, Mudit Agrotech has grown exponentially. Our monthly revenue has climbed from ₹3,500 in September 2022 to ₹1.7 lakhs by June 2024—a testament to our expanded sales channels and hard work. While B2C sales remain our core focus, we’ve also started catering to bulk buyers and businesses.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From using eco-friendly traditional methods to exploring biodegradable packaging solutions, I’m committed to creating products that are good for people and the planet.
Looking Ahead
The future is brimming with possibilities. My vision for Mudit Agrotech includes expanding to pan-India sales, building a strong eCommerce presence, and exploring export opportunities. Diversifying our product line into ghee production and obtaining certifications like ZED for MSMEs are also on the horizon.
At its core, our philosophy remains unchanged: providing pure, high-quality oils that enhance health and happiness. For me, this journey isn’t just about building a business—it’s about making a meaningful impact on people’s lives through better nutrition. And that, to me, is the ultimate measure of success.