In a remarkable story of entrepreneurship and community empowerment, Shivraj Nishad from Shekhpur village in Kanpur has revolutionized the local flower market since 2019. After leaving his job as a pharmaceutical executive, Nishad embarked on a journey to cultivate, harvest, and dehydrate local flowers such as butterfly pea, rose, hibiscus, marigold, tulsi, jasmine, and chamomile. His innovative approach not only transformed his life but also uplifted the livelihoods of over 100 farmers in his community.
From Traditional Farming to Dehydrated Flowers
Initially earning ₹21,000 per month in his previous job, Nishad decided to return to his roots in farming. He recognized the potential of growing butterfly pea flowers instead of traditional crops like paddy and wheat, which had low returns and high input costs. The decision was not just about financial gain; it was also about sustainability and making better use of the land.Starting with just 10 kg of dehydrated flowers, he now sells between 20 to 30 tonnes annually, primarily sourced from Shekhpur and neighboring villages. This shift has enabled local farmers to diversify their crops and reduce reliance on traditional agriculture, which often left them with unsold produce.
Previously, the sale of fresh flowers was not lucrative enough; if they couldn’t sell them, the flowers would either be brought back home or discarded into the river. Nishad convinced the farmers to grow these flowers and sell them to him. With his encouragement, the villagers took floriculture more seriously and now grow seven different varieties. Nishad purchases their entire harvest promptly, ensuring that they no longer have to travel long distances to sell their produce.
The Game-Changer: Solar Dryers
A pivotal moment in Nishad’s venture came with the introduction of solar dryers. Initially drying flowers in open air exposed them to dust and unpredictable weather conditions that could compromise quality. Investing ₹60,000 in a solar dryer allowed him to accelerate the dehydration process while ensuring product purity. The solar dryer consists of trays placed on a metal stand under a roof of polycarbonate sheets with a total area of about five square meters.
This innovative setup is particularly valuable during the monsoon season when flowers typically get wasted due to excess moisture. With this system in place, Nishad can dry two batches of flowers per day compared to just one using open-air drying methods. “Solar dryers have been a game-changer for us,” Nishad explains. “They help maintain the highest quality products by preventing dust contamination and preserving color and texture.” This innovation has enabled farmers to command premium prices for their dried flowers in the market.
Empowering Local Farmers
Nishad’s success has inspired numerous farmers in his region to adopt similar practices. By providing training on growing, harvesting, drying, and marketing their produce, he has fostered a spirit of collaboration among local farmers. His efforts have not only increased household incomes but also contributed to community resilience.
The impact of Nishad’s work extends beyond mere economics; it has instilled confidence among local farmers who previously felt marginalized by traditional agricultural practices. Farmers who once struggled with low yields are now thriving by diversifying into floriculture. For example, Sonu Kumar from Raebareli grows chamomile and calendula on a five-acre plot and sells his entire produce to Nishad. “My village is 100 km from Kanpur,” Sonu shares. “But he picks up my entire harvest, dehydrates it, and sells it. I receive a price ranging from ₹300 to ₹450 per kg.”
Future Aspirations
With rising demand for dried flowers—used in teas, syrups, and preserves—Nishad plans to expand his operations further. He is currently developing a larger solar dryer that he has custom-fabricated for increased capacity. Additionally, he aims to enter the e-commerce market with his brand, Blue Veda, which offers a range of 15 products derived from dried flowers.
Nishad’s vision includes not only scaling up production but also educating other farmers across India about the benefits of solar drying technology. He believes that by sharing his knowledge and experiences through workshops and social media platforms, he can inspire others to embrace similar sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Shivraj Nishad’s journey from a corporate job to becoming a successful entrepreneur highlights the potential of innovative agricultural practices. His story serves as an inspiration for other farmers looking to leverage local resources and clean energy technologies to enhance their livelihoods. As he continues to empower his community through sustainable practices, Nishad is paving the way for a brighter future for rural agriculture in India.
Through his efforts, he is not just transforming his own life but also creating opportunities for countless others in his community. By harnessing the power of solar technology and promoting floriculture, Shivraj Nishad exemplifies how one individual can make a significant impact on local economies while fostering environmental sustainability.
Disclaimer: The information presented is based on current reports regarding Shivraj Nishad’s business and may change as new developments arise. For the latest updates on agricultural innovations and community empowerment stories, stay tuned to reliable news sources.
