From Cubicle to Compost: How a Techie Turned Cow Dung into a Rs 2.5 Crore Organic Empire

Raj Singh, a former corporate professional from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has redefined the meaning of sustainable entrepreneurship by transforming cow dung and earthworms into a thriving Rs 2.5 crore organic business. What began as a dairy farming venture in 2017 evolved into a full-fledged vermicomposting enterprise after the pandemic forced him to pivot.

Here’s a detailed look at his journey, the business model, and the impact of his green innovation.

The Journey from Dairy to Dung

- Raj Singh left a high-paying corporate job to pursue dairy farming, starting with 40 cows on seven acres of leased land  
- By 2020, his herd had grown to 250 cows, but the COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted supply chains and led to monthly losses of nearly Rs 60 lakh  
- Facing financial collapse, he shut down the dairy unit and began exploring alternative uses for cow dung  
- Inspired by the potential of vermicomposting, he launched Growing Tree Organic Pvt. Ltd., focusing on converting cow manure into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer  

Building a Vermicompost Business from Scratch

- Singh sourced cow dung from nearby gaushalas at Rs 0.45 per kg and invested in infrastructure like sieving machines, water pumps, and imported earthworms (Eisenia fetida)  
- Initial setup costs were around Rs 5 lakh per acre, including Rs 60,000 for land lease and Rs 20,000 for equipment  
- He adopted innovative techniques like banana leaf mulching to enhance compost quality and reduce costs  
- Today, the company produces nearly 400 tonnes of vermicompost annually, selling it at Rs 4 per kg to farmers across Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and western Uttar Pradesh  

Financials and Social Impact

- Growing Tree Organic now generates an annual turnover of Rs 2 to 2.5 crore, with profits reaching up to Rs 80 lakh  
- The business employs 25 workers, each earning a monthly salary of Rs 11,000  
- Singh’s affordable pricing model empowers small-scale farmers to transition to organic farming practices  
- His success has inspired other rural entrepreneurs to explore sustainable agri-business models  

As Raj Singh’s story shows, resilience, innovation, and a willingness to get your hands dirty—literally—can turn even the humblest of raw materials into a green goldmine.

Sources: The Better India, Gaon Connection, June 2025