Dhanya Dhenu: Rishikesh’s Food Brand Empowers Village Women and Achieves ₹2 Cr Revenue in FY24
Dhanya Dhenu Founder – Hariom Nautiyal
Hariom Nautiyal, from Rishikesh, launched Dhanya Dhenu in 2014, a food brand specializing in dairy products and pickles, with a mission to empower women in his community.
Hariom, who previously thrived in Bangalore’s IT sector, felt unfulfilled despite earning over ₹1 lakh monthly and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. “I was working hard but wanted to make a more significant impact,” Hariom shared in an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia.
In 2009, Hariom returned to Rishikesh to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions, eventually starting Dhanya Dhenu. He invested ₹10-15 lakh to establish a dairy farm and buy cows, while also securing government subsidies for his new venture.
Despite early challenges, including low profits and high competition, Hariom’s persistence paid off. His venture initially focused on milk but expanded to include organic dairy products, poultry, pickles, and ice cream.
Dhanya Dhenu now sells milk at ₹65 per liter, generating daily profits of ₹3,000-4,000. The brand also raises broiler chickens and hens, producing a steady supply of poultry products. Additionally, Dhanya Dhenu offers 23 varieties of pickles and 33 flavors of ice cream.
The brand’s strategic expansion into Dehradun helped boost its revenue significantly. “This move allowed us to reach a larger market and increase our sales,” Hariom explained.
Dhanya Dhenu’s products are sold locally and through major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. The brand’s annual revenue is around ₹2 crore, with a profit margin of ₹40-50 lakh.
Hariom’s venture has positively impacted his community by involving around 500 women from self-help groups (SHGs) in producing pickles and supplying milk. This initiative has provided additional income to these women and demonstrated the potential for success in rural areas.
Looking ahead, Hariom plans to open a degree college and transition to solar energy for his operations, aiming to reduce costs and enhance sustainability. “I want to show that educated individuals can succeed and make a difference in their villages,” he concluded.
FAQ
What is Dhanya Dhenu?
Dhanya Dhenu is a food brand based in Rishikesh, founded by Hariom Nautiyal in 2014. It offers dairy products, poultry, pickles, and ice cream.
Who is the founder of Dhanya Dhenu?
Hariom Nautiyal, who left his IT career in Bangalore to start a business in his hometown.
When was Dhanya Dhenu launched?
Dhanya Dhenu was launched in 2014.
What is Dhanya Dhenu’s current financial status?
The brand’s annual revenue is approximately ₹2 crore, with daily profits from dairy products around ₹4,000 and an annual profit ranging from ₹40-50 lakh.