Nirmala Khandalgaonkar: A face of Persistence and Adaptability

There is no deadline for success, and while some can adapt their career path out of a passion they’re born with, it takes time and trials for most people. For some entrepreneurs, finding out their ideal industry and initiating their gig didn’t happen until they already blown out 50(or more) candles on their birthday cake. After all, it’s more important to give yourself time to work out the kinks and build confidence, setting you the entrepreneurial road ahead.
So if you’re worried that you have run out of time to make a name for yourself, we at Insights Success bring an inspiration that goes by the name Nirmala Khandalgaonkar, a sole proprietor of “Vivam Agrotech“. Mrs. Nirmala, a fifty-something female entrepreneur who is an encouraging reminder to keep pursuing your goals–and succeed despite your age. She is on a mission to make “Clean India, Green India” utilizing her scientific backgrounds and innovations into successful waste management business.
Inspiring Journey of the Shepreneur
Belonging to a family prioritizing education made her competitive in the academic career. Serving as a social worker while working with organizations like Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Rashtra Sevika Samitee were some of her life experiences. But a Biology background kept her inclined towards a green approach in waste management solutions.
Traditionally farmers made their manure. She aimed to discover a pathway or mechanism that could make the natural manure fashionable again. And the first step towards it made her study the techniques that had been passed on from generation to generation. According to her, a traditional method works but it lacks a scientific approach.
Mrs. Nirmala utilizing her science background and some fundamentals, started conducting experiments such as vermicomposting. To measure results she ensured having a controlled environment and through trial and error, she gradually learned the ins and outs of earthworm excretion making the experiment successful. As a result, realizing the benefits farmers started demanding manure making her manufacture few pieces initially and selling them at a minimum price range.
The surging demand made her decide to go commercial. Thus a sole proprietorship by the name ‘Vivam Agrotech’ was born on 5th June 2001.
As she’s nurtured her company, she’s approached her career from a more eco-friendly perspective. Her business is focused on convincing people about the benefits of organic manure as many of them were unaware of the methodologies to make khaad and its lasting environmental benefits.  Additionally, the farmers were given demonstrations and offered free samples.
Motivating Achievements
Mrs. Nirmala’s work has been appreciated by many social institutes as well as corporates by giving her various awards. Most prestigious among them is “TATA TiE STREE SHAKTI Award as National Woman Entrepreneur 2009”. “Udyogbodh Award” by Saturday Club, Maxell Award 2014 Great Businesswomen Award “PUNYRATNA 2013”, Innovative Leadership “CHANAKYA 2014” by PARCI, Mumbai.
Vivam Agrotech: Offering Environment-friendly Solutions
Vivam Agrotech is in the field of solid waste processing such as Composting, Vermicomposting, Mechanical Compost, and Biogas since ten years and in City Solid Waste Management for the last five years. They specialize in Municipal solid waste treatment plants for power generation.
It is the maiden firm to create energy from waste and is developing a platform to benefit rural India. It provides varied services that can convert waste into manure. Each vermin-compost unit provides multi-faceted service comprising 200 cubic foot box, earthworms, free transport, and installation, as well as training at customer’s residence.
The latest product the company has developed is an automatic waste processing machine in 24 hours where there is space constraint. Now the firm is diverting into effluent treatment plants on all scales small to large.
Solutions Ahead of Challenges
Government funding is necessary and implementation of waste management rules is a bigger challenge.  The Challenges concerning government funding, bank loan approvals and implementation of waste management rules can be solved by motivating the environment loving people. They can influence the other individuals by making them aware of the benefits of waste management solutions therein creating a positive pressure on the government to incorporate the change.
Mrs. Nirmala feels, by creating awareness among the people and positively influencing people with the help of environmental loving people could solve the challenges concerning government funding, bank loan approvals and implementation of waste management rules.
The field of solid waste management has high potential in terms of employment and innovation which motivates Mrs. Nirmala. Her best advice to the people who just have started entrepreneurship is, “Be prepared for hard work; learn new things and innovation is necessary for the business. Be honest while doing the business.”
Converting plastic waste into fuel is the next big innovation her business is trying accomplish in collaboration with foreign ventures for bigger cities.
She asserts, “Every village should have one biogas plant to have a gas connection to all. Every river should have clean water by having a water treatment plant. This can happen with proper waste management. All Municipal Corporations, councils, Grampanchayat should have processing plants for waste management to get organic manure to farmers.”