Indian farmers face numerous challenges, from planting to marketing their produce, and end-to-end assistance is crucial for fostering a sustainable and profitable agricultural ecosystem. This comprehensive support ensures farmers receive high-quality planting materials, expert agronomic advice, and effective marketing strategies. By tackling every stage of the farming process, modern entrepreneurs like Dr. Sunila Kumari improve productivity, minimize losses, and increase farmers' incomes, thereby supporting the overall growth and sustainability of India's agricultural sector.

Dr. Sunila Kumari, a visionary in sustainable agriculture, is the esteemed Founder of DRAGONFLORA FARMS. With an academic journey adorned with excellence, she has consistently been a top scholar, earning prestigious scholarships throughout her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Horticulture. Dr. Sunila Kumari's dedication to the field of agriculture extends beyond traditional boundaries, reflecting her passion for innovative farming practices and sustainable development.

Below is an excerpt of Dr. Sunila Kumari’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?

My professional journey has been shaped by several pivotal experiences. Working with Tata Chemicals was a major highlight, where I contributed to the innovative development of customized fertilizers and earned a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt for my work on a tomato fertigation project. This experience honed my problem-solving skills and provided a strong foundation in scientific methodologies.

At Yara International, I furthered my expertise in crop nutrition and research methodology. My tenure there taught me invaluable lessons in project management and strategic thinking. Additionally, my role as an assistant professor allowed me to connect deeply with students and farmers, fostering a love for teaching and grassroots agricultural work. Moreover, my first job in agricultural extension was crucial in grounding me in real-world farming challenges and solutions. These experiences collectively inspired me to establish DRAGONFLORA FARMS, where I apply my accumulated knowledge to innovate and lead in the agricultural sector.

Tell us about your educational journey. What led you to foray into the field of agriculture?

My educational journey has been driven by a lifelong passion for agriculture. From a young age, I was fascinated by the science and art of growing plants, which led me to pursue a career in horticulture. I excelled academically and was always determined to delve deeper into this field despite societal expectations, and my upbringing in a modest family, where education wasn't always a priority, presented challenges. However, with unwavering support from my mother, I persevered. I earned scholarships for my higher education, culminating in a Ph.D. in agriculture, and eventually became an assistant professor. Today, I run DRAGONFLORA FARMS, dedicated to innovative agricultural practices and dragonfruit cultivation, and I am also known as Dr. Flora. Dragon fruit is a wonder fruit with the potential to significantly transform the agricultural economy of our country if nurtured properly, as demonstrated by Vietnam. DRAGONFLORA FARMS is India's first and only venture dedicated to the superfood dragon fruit, offering a one-stop solution for dragon fruit farmers and is headed by technical experts.

What have been the most critical challenges you encountered in your current role? How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

In my current role, the most critical challenge is building a dedicated team. Farming is incredibly demanding, and finding individuals willing to commit to the rigorous nature of agriculture is tough. To address this, I foster a sense of ownership and entrepreneurial spirit among employees. For instance, I provide training and franchise opportunities to those interested in farming, allowing them to establish their own ventures under our brand. Also, I motivate individuals to take on specific roles, such as nurserymen or agronomists, aligning with their skills and interests. This approach not only distributes the workload but also empowers employees to become entrepreneurs. By creating a supportive environment and offering comprehensive training, I overcome the challenge of assembling a committed team.

Furthermore, I focus on providing end-to-end solutions for farmers, from quality planting material to marketing support. This holistic approach ensures that farmers succeed, and it strengthens our brand's reputation.

Throw light on the most important profes-sional milestone you have achieved through-out your professional journey. What has your success mantra been over the years?

One of the most significant professional milestones in my journey was securing a grant in aid from the government's Raftar program when I started my venture. This support was pivotal, enabling us to gain recognition and credibility in the agricultural sector. Similarly, over the years, my success mantra has been rooted in perseverance and continuous learning, and my academic journey, marked by scholarships laid a strong foundation. The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, a rare honor in the industry, also stands out as a major achievement.

Our participation in various agricultural fairs, like the Agri Fair conducted by the Juries, where we won awards for our contributions, has further validated our efforts. Additionally, being featured by media outlets and successful YouTubers has amplified our impact. My commitment to promoting sustainable and organic farming through my NGO, Davik Bhoomi Foundation, has also been a source of pride and fulfillment.

Dr. Sunila Kumari, Founder, Dragonflora Farms

Dr. Sunila Kumari, Founder of DRAGONFLORA FARMS, is a pioneering agricultural entrepreneur. With a PhD in Horticulture and expertise in sustainable farming, she has revolutionized dragon fruit cultivation in India. Her innovative approach and dedication to empowering farmers have significantly impacted the agricultural landscape.