Sri Varalakshmi Modern Rice Mill

Sri Varalakshmi Modern Rice Mill is located at 26, Karapattu, out in the Chengam area. This isn't a typical shop; it's where the actual work of processing the rice happens. You can hear the machines running from down the road—a constant humming sound that we’ve all grown used to. The air inside always has a bit of a dusty smell from the husks, which is just part of the job. We take the paddy from the local farmers and turn it into the rice that people cook in their homes. It’s heavy work. We’re constantly moving large sacks, and the machinery needs a lot of looking after so it doesn't break down at the wrong time. I spend most of my time either checking the quality of the grain or talking to the farmers who bring their harvest in. The building is large and open to keep it as cool as possible, but it still gets very hot during the day. We have a small office at the front where we handle the paperwork, but mostly I’m out on the floor. It’s a practical business. We don't have a showroom or anything like that. People come here because they know how we process the rice and we’ve been doing it this way for years in Karapattu. It’s a tiring job, but seeing the finished bags ready to go out makes it feel worth it for everyone working here.