rural entrepreneurship India

Rani Sunny from Idukki developed a range of innovative products from Jackfruit— including dried jackfruit, dried jackfruit powder, frozen tender jackfruit, wholesome jackfruit powder, dried jackfruit seed, dried jackfruit seed powder, and jackfruit pulp -- All from a small room near her house.

Jagpal Singh Phogat, a teacher from Haryana, turned to beekeeping despite initial family scepticism. Overcoming early setbacks, he has empowered over 500 farmers to adopt beekeeping as a profitable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional farming.

Hariom Nautiyal quit his corporate career and went back to his village in Dehradun. Starting from scratch, he set up ‘Dhanya Dhenu’ to sell dairy products, pickles, candies, and ice cream. Here's how he established a multi-crore empire in a village.

When his banana crop fetched poor returns, Ashok Gade decided to innovate. His patented banana biscuits now bring in Rs 25 lakh annually and customers across India.

After being denied a US visa, Davinder Singh Mushkabad returned to his village in Punjab and turned to farming. Today, his cooperative model empowers over 230 farmers with sustainable, profitable practices.

In a quiet corner of Birbhum, what began as a barren stretch of red soil is now Moram - a vibrant forest of craft, care, and community. Built by and for tribal women, it’s more than a homestay. It’s a movement rooted in art and rural craftspersonship.

“I could have easily stayed on as a worker in the shop, but taking the leap into entrepreneurship and farming has enhanced my understanding of floriculture,” says Arup Kumar Ghosh, a marigold farmer in Kolaghat.

In Vidarbha, where farmers have long struggled with hardship, Krushi Sarathi, a movement founded by a local farmer's son, is planting seeds of change. Empowering farmers with tools, technology, and knowledge, Krushi Sarathi connects them to brighter futures.