In 2013, in the small village of Nighoj in Ahmednagar, Shraddha Dhawan founded Shraddha Farms, a dairy venture that would later transformed her into a successful entrepreneur. Specializing in the production and supply of buffalo milk, paneer, and ghee, Shraddha Farms has become a thriving business, catering to dairies, retail shops, and individual customers.
The Beginning of Shraddha Farms
Shraddha’s journey began right after she completed her 10th grade. While her peers were content with the leisurely days of summer vacation, Shraddha found herself restless. Brought up in a household that valued hard work, she yearned to make productive use of her time. Rather than spending her days watching TV, she decided to dive into the world of business.
Her father’s small cattle trading business provided her with the perfect opportunity. He regularly bought and sold buffaloes and kept a few at home. During her vacation, Shraddha began accompanying him to the city, learning how to identify the best buffaloes, understanding the buying and selling process, and gaining firsthand knowledge of the cattle trade.
Soon, Shraddha decided to leverage this experience and start her own dairy business using the buffaloes at home. She meticulously researched and applied the insights her father had imparted, eventually establishing a system for selling milk to a dairy outside the village.
Juggling School and Business
Balancing her academic responsibilities with the demands of running a dairy business was no easy feat. As she progressed through her 11th and 12th grades and eventually began her MSc in Physics, Shraddha maintained a rigorous schedule. She would wake up at 4 AM to manage the dairy work—cleaning sheds, feeding buffaloes, milking them, and transporting the milk to the dairy—all before starting her college classes at 8 AM.
Reflecting on those early days, Shraddha recalls the challenges she faced, but her determination never wavered. By 2017, Shraddha Farms had expanded to house 25 to 30 buffaloes, and with increased financial resources, she was finally able to hire additional help.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for Shraddha Farms, as it did for many businesses. Although milk remained an essential product, logistical hurdles such as road blockages and a drop in milk prices by Rs 8 per liter made operations difficult. Nevertheless, Shraddha Farms persevered and quickly bounced back.
Over the years, Shraddha Farms has experienced substantial growth. The number of buffaloes has increased to 130, and the business has expanded its product range to include ghee, butter, lassi, buttermilk, and curd. All products are 100% natural, free from additives and artificial flavors, aligning with the farm’s commitment to quality and purity.
Innovative Practices and Sustainability
In a significant move towards sustainability, Shraddha Farms implemented a 1-tonne biogas project on the farm. This project not only generates electricity for all operations, reducing the farm’s reliance on external power sources, but also produces slurry—a mixture of urine, dung, and other waste. This slurry is then sold as a biofertilizer, benefiting both farmers and agricultural companies.
Shraddha Farms has also developed a biofertilizer combining vermicompost and jeevanjevik khad, which is in high demand among local farmers.
Community Impact and Future Goals
Beyond her business success, Shraddha Dhawan has become a mentor and trainer for aspiring dairy farmers. Through her training center, she has educated over 5,000 individuals, sharing her knowledge and encouraging ethical dairy practices. Shraddha’s impact extends far beyond her village, as she continues to inspire others with her entrepreneurial spirit.
Looking ahead, Shraddha aims to unite farmers for ethical and sustainable dairy practices. She is passionate about educating them on the benefits of collective action, enabling them to earn fairer prices for their products. Shraddha’s mission is to protect farmers from being exploited by private companies that often take the lion’s share of profits.
A Remarkable Success Story
In the fiscal year 2024, Shraddha Farms achieved an impressive milestone, earning Rs 1 crore from its dairy business. The farm has built a community of around 8 lakh people, including customers, partners, farmers, and social media followers. Serving over 200 people daily, Shraddha Farms stands as a testament to Shraddha Dhawan’s hard work, resilience, and vision.
Shraddha’s story is a powerful example of how determination and innovation can transform a simple idea into a thriving enterprise, even in the face of adversity. Her journey from a schoolgirl with a dream to a successful entrepreneur is truly inspirational, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.