This is the story of Ganesh N Shet, a micro-entrepreneur from Kumta, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. At the age of 39, he left his job in Karnataka Bank to start his enterprise. After 19 years of service in Karnataka Bank, Ganesh was motivated by the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government of India and voluntarily retired from his job. Thereafter, he planned to fully devote himself to his spice processing enterprise.

Ganesh has always been interested in spice processing and when he learnt about the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, he applied for it. He received Rs. 5.12 Lakh as loan amount in October 2021 and established his spice processing enterprise - Naga Netra Food Processing in Kumta, Uttara Kannada district.

Initially, he had to overcome a lot of challenges in setting up his unit. His micro food processing unit was located in the residential area, therefore he had to make sure that all necessities would be made so that neighbourhood would not get disturbed by the processing plant.

However, he patiently cooperated with government departments and obtained the necessary paperwork required at the bank to set up the unit. He implemented noise control machines, water management, safety measurements, and ensured that unnecessary waste would not be created around the unit.

After receiving the loan amount, he purchased machines like a drum roaster, pulveriser, blender, and bend sealer. The machines have helped him in roasting raw materials, grinding, and blending. The finest quality spice powder can be manufactured with the help of sophisticated machines.

He has started the production of five types of spice products like sambar powder, rasam powder, chicken masala, biriyani masala, and fish fry masala. Currently, the products are available in grocery stores, hotels, and chat shops across Uttar Kannada under the brand name Souju. Ganesh has also ventured into e-commerce platforms for selling products.

This Aatmanirbhar enterprise aims to further venture into organic product (fruits, vegetables, and herbs) processing of different types of spice powder. He plans to introduce unique product packaging and strengthen the marketing of products. Ganesh has also introduced products on exhibitions sponsored by Deshpande Foundation.

Business Details
Address: Naga Netra Food Processing, Shri Laxmi, Gandhi Nagar 6th cross, near Panduranga Hotel, Kumta-581343, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
District: Uttara Kannada
State: Karnataka
Email: gansht0@gmail.com
Total Investment: Rs. 6.12 lakh

(Content shared by Mr. Ganesh N Shet, Founder, Naga Netra Food Processing)