Moomba: This startup generates Rs 200 crore revenue by selling dried onions and tomatoes

Startups are emerging as key players each offering unique solutions to address the challenges faced by farmers. Among these innovators is Moomba, a venture specialising in the processing and sale of dried onions, tomatoes, and other agricultural products. Founded by seven students in Mumbai during their college years, Moomba has swiftly evolved into a formidable force in the industry, boasting a business worth Rs 200 crores.

From concept to reality

Moomba traces its roots to the collaborative efforts of seven visionary minds who embarked on a journey to revolutionise food processing. Beginning with extensive research spanning from 2014 to 2018 across various colleges, the founders officially established S4S Technologies in 2019, laying the foundation for their ambitious venture. One of the co-founders, Vaibhav Tidke, highlights their close engagement with women farmers, who play a pivotal role as procurement agents, facilitating the acquisition of crops.

Innovative processing

At the heart of Moomba's operations lies its commitment to preserving the nutritional integrity of agricultural produce. Unlike conventional methods that often compromise the nutritional value through high-temperature processing, Moomba employs cutting-edge technology known as the 'Solar Conduction Dryer.' This innovative approach ensures that the products retain their essential nutrients, enhancing their shelf life without compromising on quality.

The production process unveiled

The journey of a Moomba product begins with women farmers collecting fresh produce from their counterparts. Subsequently, the harvest undergoes meticulous processing at Moomba's Procurement Centre in Mumbai. Here, onions and other crops are carefully washed before undergoing dehydration. Leveraging the 'Solar Conduction Dryer,' the produce is dried to perfection and transformed into powdered form. Rigorous quality control measures, including moisture testing and food safety checks, are then implemented before the products are packaged and dispatched.

Driving economic growth

With a market potential of approximately 200 billion dollars in India, Moomba has emerged as a formidable player, boasting an annual revenue of Rs 200 crores. The company sources products from over 300,000 farmers, with the active involvement of 3,000 women across multiple states including Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Moomba's success not only underscores its innovative approach to food processing but also its significant contribution to empowering farmers and driving economic growth.