The rise of Dharambir Kamboj, Founder of Dharambir Food Processing Technology Private Limited, from humble beginnings to astonishing success by leveraging the power of innovation could astound anyone. Imagine a rickshaw puller transformed into a modern-day innovator, honored by none other than the President of India. It may sound surreal, but this is the inspiring reality of a common man ascending to the ranks of renowned innovators, capturing the attention of media headlines.
Dharambir, hailing from Damla village in Haryana, discovered his passion for technological innovation and began developing machines within his community. Even during his school years, he displayed a keen interest in herb cultivation and demonstrated his intellect by creating various machines, including a pollution-free chulha, cell-based inverter, and borewell machine.
In 1995, as a young farmer, he collaborated with KVK Scientists, while simultaneously engaging in hybrid tomato, baby corn, strawberry, and sweet corn cultivation, and even devising a spray machine.
His innovation journey truly began when he conceptualized a multi-purpose food processing machine. In an exclusive interview with The Interview World, Dharambir Kamboj recounts his path to success, revealing how his entrepreneurial spirit propelled him towards becoming a pioneering innovator.
Q: Could you provide an overview of the capabilities and applications of your multi-purpose processing machines?
A: The machine boasts an electric motor, dynamically driving its central shaft with power tailored to its capacity. This adaptable design ensures optimal performance across various processing tasks. Incorporated gauges meticulously monitor temperature and pressure, empowering operators to finely tune conditions for processing specific products with precision and efficiency.
Moreover, an outer oil jacket envelops the main chamber, strategically shielding herbs from direct heat exposure. This safeguard preserves their quality and potency throughout the processing cycle. Its inherent portability grants unparalleled versatility, making it an invaluable asset for on-farm processing endeavors.
Facilitating the creation of farm-fresh products directly at the source, this machine minimizes logistical complexities associated with transportation and storage, thereby streamlining operations and enhancing overall product freshness and quality.
Q: What unique features or technologies set this machine apart from other similar models in its category?
A: Distinguished by its remarkable versatility, this machine possesses a unique capability and symbol of innovation: processing an extensive array of products while delicately handling the seeds of fruits or vegetables. Its multifunctionality spans a broad spectrum of applications, including Aloe vera (for juice, hair gel, face wash, shampoo, hand wash, extract, and powder), mango (for chutney and jam), amla (for juice, powder, extract, hair oil, candy, and sweets laddoo), along with tulsi, ashwagandha, satavar, a variety of herbs (for juice and extracts), and flowers like rose, chameli, and lavender (for extracts and essence). Such versatility renders it indispensable across numerous industries, catering to diverse production needs.
Q: Can you describe the process and technology behind your current maize-to-milk processing machine innovation?
A: In 2020, I engineered an enhanced version of a machine designed to extract milk from sweet corn. Constructed entirely of steel, the machine underwent significant modifications to enhance its efficiency, speed, and safety features. As a result, its market price stands at just Rs. 60,000, a fraction of the Rs. 2.5 lakh cost incurred when imported from China.
Q: What products are you preparing using corn milk?
A: By utilizing one kilogram of sweet corn, we can produce approximately 7 liters of milk through the addition of water, sugar, and even regular milk. This corn milk, not only being a nutritious beverage on its own, but also serves as a versatile ingredient for various culinary delights such as cakes, ice creams, kulfi, gazar ka halwa, burgers, and pizzas. Moreover, the corn starch proves valuable in the production of ghee. Currently, I’m crafting bottled milk, conveniently packaged in 200 ml containers, which are priced at around Rs. 20 and have garnered immense popularity among the local community.
Q: What are the potential entrepreneurial opportunities for young people in the maize products industry?
A: In the fiscal year 2023-24, India exhibited remarkable prowess by producing 34.6 million metric tons of maize. This abundant maize reserve carries the potential to catalyze a paradigm shift in the ambitious Ethanol Blending Program (EBP), designed to achieve E20 blending targets. With the EBP requiring a substantial 165 lakh tons of maize, equivalent to a striking 48% of the nation’s current maize production of 346 lakh tonnes, the challenge is substantial.
However, meeting such a formidable objective isn’t solely about redirecting this significant volume of maize towards ethanol production. It necessitates a proactive strategy of fortifying maize production from 346 lakh tonnes to 420-430 lakh tonnes by 2024-25, and then doubling it to 640-650 lakh tonnes by 2029-30. This strategic endeavor not only unveils vast opportunities for enterprising youth to innovate various finished products derived from maize but also promises to unlock a plethora of employment avenues for semi-skilled and skilled individuals, thereby contributing significantly to economic growth and prosperity.
