In a world driven by fast-paced living and urbanization, Rohit Kaushal’s entrepreneurial journey is a refreshing testament to the power of vision and perseverance. As the founder of SnehOrganic, Rohit has seamlessly blended his professional expertise with his passion for organic agriculture, creating a venture that connects urban consumers with the roots of sustainable farming. His story is not just inspiring but also a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to make a difference.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Experience
Rohit’s professional journey began with an engineering degree and an Executive Program from IIM Lucknow. But his entrepreneurial spirit was evident from the start. In 2004, he ventured into aggregating farmers engaged in organic farming, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion for agriculture. His corporate stint followed in 2009 with Mahindra & Mahindra’s Swaraj Tractor Division, where he spent nine enriching years in supply chain and credit management, later taking on additional roles in strategy and business development.
This journey deepened his connection with farmers and equipped him with valuable insights into the agricultural ecosystem. Despite his corporate achievements, Rohit’s passion for organic farming remained undeterred. It was during the pandemic, back in his hometown of Bhopal, that his idea truly blossomed into action.
The Birth of SnehOrganic
In the midst of the lockdown, Rohit began collaborating with a group of farmers practicing organic farming. He coached them on modern farming techniques, managed supply chains, and developed a direct farmer-to-consumer model. This initiative soon evolved into SnehOrganic, a social venture that has been thriving for over four years, now encompassing a community of 200+ consumers in Bhopal.
The concept took a revolutionary turn with the inception of SRK Organic Farms, a co-farming model offering urban consumers a unique opportunity to invest in farm plots. By bridging the gap between urban aspirations and rural potential, SRK Organic Farms allows customers to connect with farming without the logistical challenges, while also providing farm management services and delivering organic produce directly to their doorsteps.
Tackling Challenges with Innovation
Rohit identified critical gaps in the market—urban consumers’ lack of agricultural knowledge, resources, and access to labor, along with the lack of food traceability. These challenges became the foundation of his innovative co-farming model. Additionally, the venture tackled significant capital requirements through personal savings and angel investments, while leveraging digital marketing and customer testimonials to build awareness and credibility.
Overcoming operational hurdles like crop rotation and small-scale farming efficiency required replicating large-scale farming practices on smaller plots, a challenge Rohit continues to refine.
Visionary Leadership and an Inspiring Mission
The vision behind SnehOrganic is clear: to promote health and sustainability while offering a lucrative investment opportunity. This unique combination of “Health with Wealth” sets the venture apart in the crowded real estate and organic farming markets.
The success of their first project in Bhopal, achieving 70% bookings within a month of launch, underscores the potential of the model. Rohit envisions expanding to five key cities across India in the next five years, integrating hospitality elements like rural resorts to create immersive farming experiences.
Culture That Reflects Values
At the heart of the company lies a culture of humility and authenticity, driven by a team deeply rooted in farming traditions. Customers are treated as part of the family, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. This people-first approach is a hallmark of Rohit’s leadership, making the workplace unique and inspiring.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Rohit’s entrepreneurial wisdom is grounded in experience. His advice to budding entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: spend time understanding real customer problems, embrace challenges to sharpen your insights, and don’t shy away from taking risks. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes the value of practical learning, suggesting a stint in the corporate world to build foundational skills before taking the entrepreneurial leap.
Looking Ahead
With rising awareness about health, organic food, and rural tourism, SnehOrganic is uniquely positioned at the intersection of real estate, agriculture, and hospitality. Rohit’s vision to connect people with nature, while fostering sustainable development, is a testament to his belief in creating value beyond profits.
A Story Worth Sharing
Rohit Kaushal’s journey from an electronics engineer to a passionate advocate of organic farming is a story of resilience, innovation, and impact. Through SnehOrganic, he has not only transformed lives but also redefined how urban consumers engage with agriculture. His vision continues to inspire, reminding us all of the possibilities when passion meets purpose.
To learn more about SnehOrganic and Rohit’s inspiring journey, visit his LinkedIn profile.