Dharminder, a 45-year-old farmer from Mohali, Punjab, has turned cow dung into a fortune, achieving a remarkable Rs 2 crore turnover. His journey began not in a field, but in a corporate office, where he worked as a personal assistant for 15 years. Feeling unfulfilled and lacking financial freedom, Dharminder decided to quit his job and explore new opportunities.
His search for a new path led him to a training programme at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Mohali. Here, he discovered the world of animal farming and waste utilisation. The topic that truly captured his interest was vermicomposting. “It was the only business that didn’t require lakhs of rupees,” he recalled. He was mentored by Dr. Shashi Pal at KVK and also dedicated himself to further research, watching online videos, visiting farms, and gaining practical experience.
Before setting up his own farm, Dharminder started by reselling vermicompost. This helped him understand the market demand and the potential of the product. In 2016, he finally quit his job and established his own venture, Kudrat Organic Farm, in Bad Majra village, Mohali. Starting with just a couple of beds, his farm now boasts over 1,000 vermicompost beds, producing more than 2,400 tonnes of compost annually. He employs a dedicated team of 10 people and several part-time workers.
Dharminder’s initial investment was a modest Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 to set up a few beds. Today, the setup cost per bed is between Rs 7,500 and Rs 10,000. Each bed, measuring 30×4 feet, requires about 30 kg of earthworms and 1,500 kg of cow dung. The earthworms, primarily Eisenia fetida (red wigglers), play a crucial role in breaking down the dung. Before use, the cow dung is washed and cured for 7-8 days to remove harmful methane gas. In 70 to 90 days, each bed produces around 600 kg of rich vermicompost. Importantly, the earthworm population doubles every 80 to 90 days, allowing for continuous expansion of the operation.
Dharminder sources his cow dung from reliable ‘gaushalas’ (cow shelters) to ensure quality. His chosen earthworm species, Eisenia fetida, are resilient, capable of surviving temperatures from 0°C to 50°C. The ‘black gold’ produced by his farm is highly valued by organic farmers. Annually, Kudrat Organic Farm produces about 2,400 tonnes of vermicompost and approximately 122-123 tonnes of earthworms. While most earthworms are reused in the beds, 2-3 tonnes are sold each year.
This dual production of compost and earthworms generates over Rs 2 crore in revenue, with a profit margin of about 50%. The price of vermicompost varies, with bulk rates between Rs 6 to Rs 10 per kg and smaller packets selling for Rs 20 per kg. Dharminder highlights the cost-effectiveness of vermicompost compared to chemical fertilisers. While chemical fertilisers cost around Rs 30,000 per acre annually, vermicompost requirements decrease significantly over time, starting with 3-4 tonnes per acre in the first year and reducing to half a tonne by the fourth year, while vastly improving soil health.
He debunks the myth that organic farming yields less, explaining that it takes time for soil to recover from chemical farming’s effects. Crops grown with vermicompost not only yield well but also fetch higher market prices. Currently, most nurseries in the Tricity area (Chandigarh-Mohali-Panchkula) are regular buyers. The demand for organic products surged after the COVID-19 lockdown, boosting awareness of sustainable farming practices.
Dharminder’s expertise has made him a sought-after trainer. He has trained over 20,000 farmers across India through his YouTube channel and other social media platforms. Farmers from countries like Canada, the US, Australia, and Europe have also sought his guidance. He regularly conducts training sessions and workshops for NGOs, educational institutions, and government bodies, even providing certificates for internships. “I was determined to teach every little thing to whosoever came to me,” he states.
His journey has not been without challenges; he faced indifference when seeking knowledge from established farms initially. However, his success has led to plans for a model organic farm, open to visitors and researchers to promote organic farming among the younger generation. Dharminder’s dedication has earned him district-level awards and recognition at the GADVASU Kisan Mela. “The future of farming in India may well lie in looking back to the earth — and working with it, not against it,” he concludes, noting the growing interest in his franchise model. “I didn’t even know what vermicompost was in 2016,” he smiles, “More importantly, I’ve built something my whole family is proud to be part of.”