I’m Mahesh Sonkar, a 21-year-old entrepreneur from Nashik, Maharashtra. Coming from a commerce background and an agricultural family, I’ve always believed that something big can rise from humble beginnings—especially when rooted in the soil we grow up on.
🌍 The Spark: Coco Peat and a Global Opportunity
During my college years, I stumbled upon the potential of coco peat—a byproduct of coconut husk widely used in hydroponics, horticulture, and sustainable agriculture worldwide. While the world demanded this eco-friendly material, I saw Indian farmers struggling to access global markets.
That contrast hit me hard.
I had no connections in exports, no experience in coir products, and no mentor to guide me. But I had one powerful thing: desire. I asked myself:
“If the world needs coco peat, and India can supply it, why can’t I be the one to bridge that gap?”
🚀 From Zero to Registration: The First Step
With no contacts but an unshakable will, I spent countless nights learning. I dove deep into export procedures, market dynamics, logistics, packaging, and certifications.
Once I had built a basic understanding, I registered Sonkar Export.
I began visiting coir factories in South India, speaking with suppliers, testing product samples, and gradually forming small but solid relationships. I didn’t wait for perfect conditions—I started small, even when big opportunities came my way.
âš” Early Challenges That Tried to Break Me
Starting from scratch meant facing real obstacles:
Gaining trust from suppliers
Managing high freight and logistics costs
Navigating the export process without mentorship
Bridging gaps in technical and product knowledge
But I didn’t stop. I kept traveling, attending expos, and connecting with forward-thinking farmers and industry experts.
My first international order came after a small event where I pitched directly to a group of innovative farmers. Some of them are now loyal clients and strong advocates of my brand.
đź’ˇ Building a Global Brand from Scratch
Today, Sonkar Export is no longer just an idea—it’s an emerging global name.
We’ve built:
âś… A strong R&D and product development division
âś… A reliable technical and certification team
âś… A committed sales, legal, and logistics force
âś… Trusted international buyer networks in multiple countries
The uncertain steps of yesterday are now the foundation of our global reach.
🧩 What Makes Sonkar Export Different?
We’re not just exporters. We are mission-driven partners to farmers and buyers worldwide. Our core values are transparency, trust, and sustainability.
Here’s what sets us apart:
🌱 High-quality, certified coir and coco peat products
📦 Custom packaging & private labeling
🤝 Honest pricing and long-term relationships
đź“‘ End-to-end export support and documentation
đź” My Vision for the Future
I want Sonkar Export to become a global leader in the coco peat and coir industry—not just in scale but in innovation and impact.
We aim to launch our own branded coir-based products, create fair-trade networks for Indian farmers, and become a legacy brand rooted in quality and ethics.
đź’¬ A Message to Young Entrepreneurs
To every young person dreaming of starting something—especially in agriculture or exports—here’s my advice:
Don’t wait for permission.
Don’t wait for funding.
Study. Research. Travel. Learn.
Start. Build. Commit.
You don’t need a background in the field. You just need clarity, courage, and consistency.
Mahesh Sonkar
Founder & CEO, Sonkar Export
Nashik, Maharashtra | Age 21