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

Image Source : The Better India

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