... high rewards

In a few days our society has to fill an order for 100 kilograms of dried dummella - this batch is almost ready.

The solar dryer does a much better job drying herbs than traditional sun drying, giving them a consistent colour. Buyers will pay a lot more for this quality of herb - as much as 25 rupees (25 US cents) per kilogram, instead of the usual 5 rupees (5 US cents).

Last year, I earned 45 000 rupees (US$438) during the May to October monsoon season and 39 000 (US$380) during the December to March season by selling herbs. That's as much as I would make growing rice in a good year with two good monsoons.