Kerala teacher takes up arrowroot farming; earns Rs8 lakh from an acre

In the backyards of Kerala, arrowroot, a starchy tuber crop, has been cultivated for ages. For Sibi K John, a teacher turned farmer in Idukki, arrowroot was a childhood memory before it became a thriving business.

“We have all seen arrowroot growing in our backyards and being used in various forms. I decided to continue the practice, powdering dried arrowroot for my household use. Gradually, people began asking if I could give it to them also,” Sibi tells 30Stades.

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At that time, Sibi was a guest lecturer in private educational institutions. While he enjoyed teaching, the income was inconsistent and insufficient. 

The rising demand for his home-made arrowroot powder made him realise its business potential. India is among the world's leading exporters of arrowroot powder, with major destinations being the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, according to market research company Volza.

Arrowroot is rich in carbohydrates, potassium, iron, B-complex vitamins, and dietary fibre. It is low in fat and gluten-free, making it popular among health-conscious consumers.

From backyard to brand

Arrowroot is used in the food, skincare and cosmetic industries. “Earlier, arrowroot powder was prepared by elders at home. However, this tradition faded with changing times and busy schedules,” he says.

“While people wanted to use arrowroot powder, they didn’t have the time to make it because it is laborious and time-consuming. Recognising this gap, I decided to offer an authentic and convenient product,” Sibi says.

He turned his household tradition into a business and began selling the powder under Pearl’s Arrowroot brand, now available across India. 

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To cater to the rising demand, Sibi expanded to an acre of land, intercropping arrowroot with banana and tapioca. Over the past ten years, he has transitioned from home production to a structured business.

The farming process

Sibi says arrowroot's organic farming requires minimal maintenance. The soil is first loosened and mixed with organic manure or compost. 

The tubers are planted, and they subsequently need only light weeding and mulching. There are hardly any pest problems, and the plants grow well.

Arrowroot comes in several varieties, each with its own characteristics and market value. They include white arrowroot (Vellakoova/West Indian), the yellow variety (Manjakoova), and the blue arrowroot (Neelakoova/East Indian). 

In Kerala, arrowroot is typically planted between May and June, coinciding with the onset of the monsoon. The first-year harvest, white arrowroot, is usually ready by December or January. The wild yellow varieties are left in the soil for the following year's harvest.

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The business of arrowroot powder 

As demand grew, Sibi invested in a grinding machine, setting up a small unit and branding his product as Pearl’s Arrowroot. “Since the demand increased, my backyard farm produce was insufficient, so I started collecting from the neighbourhood,” he says.

Now he buys surplus arrowroot from farmers looking for a market for their crop. “Procuring from local farmers also helps them financially,” he shares.

Sibi’s Pearl’s Arrowroot caters to both wholesale and retail customers. Wholesale buyers include stores that repackage the powder and exporters, who sell it under their own brand. Locally, Sibi sells directly under his brand and supplies to Chennai and Bengaluru. His clients also include pharma and food companies. 

“Our pack sizes range from 100 g to 2 kg, offering flexibility for households and businesses alike,” he says. 

The white arrowroot is priced at Rs 1300 per kg, the yellow at Rs 1400 per kg, and the blue at 1500 per kg. The blue variety, known for its higher health benefits, has seen a surge in demand. 

“To maintain quality, I only pack the powder after receiving orders. The processing is done between December and March, when the weather is ideal for sun-drying,” he adds.

Sibi has invested Rs 1 lakh in a grinding machine, while the remaining work is done manually. Last year, he earned Rs 8 lakh from 500 kg, demonstrating the crop’s profitability. 

He plans to expand the unit with more machines and start e-commerce to reach a broader audience. “Along with arrowroot, I plan to launch Kasturi Manjal (turmeric) and moringa powder. It has already been cultivated in the farm,” he shares. 

The processing method

“One of the standout features of Pearl’s Arrowroot is its commitment to purity. The commercial market is plagued by adulteration, with powders often mixed with cheaper flours like palm flour, reducing purity and taste. My arrowroot powder is 100 percent pure,” he says.

To make it transparent, Sibi coarsely grinds the arrowroot as crystals, and not as a complete powder. “So we can see through how pure it is,” Sibi explains.

The process involves harvesting the tuber, washing it thoroughly to remove mud and skin, and crushing it into a fine pulp.

This pulp is mixed with clean water and filtered to separate the fibrous parts. The milky liquid collected is allowed to settle, and the starch that forms at the bottom is carefully drained, washed again, and dried in the shade until fully moisture-free. Once dried, it is coarsely powdered into crystals, preserving its natural purity.

A Sustainable approach to farming

Sibi says he feels happy and content running a profitable business that promotes wholesome, conscious food. Though arrowroot farming and processing are seasonal, the sales and revenue generation are steady throughout the year. 

He also notes that one of the benefits of his arrowroot business is that he can fix the price himself. “Unlike selling bananas, or other crops, where we have to accept the price offered, here I can set a fair rate based on the quality of the product,” the agripreneur explains. 

This control over pricing ensures better income for farmers and makes the venture more sustainable and rewarding. “Instead of cultivating a popular crop, one should look for a gap and fill that demand. Choose a variety that will ensure sustainability and profitability in farming when taken up as a business. So it is important to identify niche markets and focus on quality to stand out in the competitive agricultural sector,” he signs off.

(Chandhini R is a Kerala-based journalist specialising in human interest, entertainment, and art and culture stories)

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