Highlights:
– Akshay Srivastava, a 25-year-old engineer, started his business by making 2 kilograms of bio-fertilizer.
– Within 3 years, his company is now producing 500 tons of bio-fertilizer every month.
– The valuation of Akshay’s company is now more than 50 crores.
– Akshay’s father was a farmer, and he faced many difficulties in his upbringing.
– Akshay studied chemical engineering and was motivated to help farmers.
– Despite facing criticism and challenges, Akshay persisted in his business idea.
– He targeted one educated farmer and provided free bio-fertilizer, making him a dealer.
– Akshay started producing bio-fertilizer tailored to different crops and expanded his business to 95 cities.
– He received support from various institutions and now has more than 30,000 farmers associated with his company.
– Akshay has also set up a second plant in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
In the rural hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh, a young man’s entrepreneurial journey turned a disdainful remark into a multi-crore venture. This is the story of Akshay Srivastava, a 25-year-old chemical engineering graduate from Gorakhpur University, who turned a 5,000 rupees investment into a company worth 50 crores. His venture, derisively dubbed by relatives as ‘engineering in cow dung’, now produces 500 tonnes of bio-fertilizer monthly and supports over 30,000 farmers across Uttar Pradesh.
Overcoming Adversity
Akshay’s father was a farmer, and he completed his studies under challenging circumstances. Growing up amidst agricultural land and witnessing the struggles of farmers firsthand, Akshay was determined to contribute to the farming community. With a background in chemical engineering, he started his business by producing just 2 kg of fertilizer made from cow dung.
Scaling Up Production
Within three years, Akshay’s venture grew exponentially, producing 500 tonnes of bio-fertilizer every month. Initially, his relatives mocked him, questioning the point of pursuing engineering if he was only going to handle cow dung. Undeterred by their skepticism, Akshay remained committed to his vision and continued to scale his business.
Targeting Educated Farmers
Akshay targeted one educated farmer in his village initially. He produced fertilizer for the first time and sent a sample to a group of farmers. The positive feedback he received encouraged him to expand his operations across the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. Today, more than 30,000 farmers are associated with his company, reaping the benefits of his high-quality bio-fertilizer.
Expanding Operations
Initially, Akshay’s operation was confined to his home state, but the positive response from farmers encouraged him to expand. He began working across Uttar Pradesh, and as word spread about the effectiveness of his bio-fertilizer, more and more farmers began to associate with his company.
A Vision Realized
Akshay’s journey from a small-scale fertilizer producer to the owner of a multi-crore company is a testament to his determination, vision, and commitment to supporting the farming community. His venture, once scoffed at by relatives, is now a beacon of success and inspiration for young entrepreneurs and farmers alike.