From farmer to agri-tycoon: A Sirmaur man who created Rs 5 cr empire
Hard work, determination, and the right support can turn dreams into reality. Ashish Gautam, a resident of Chamoda village in Pachhad Tehsil of Sirmaur district, is a shining example of how government schemes can transform lives. Leveraging various welfare initiatives of the state government, he has built a thriving business in agriculture, horticulture, poultry, fisheries and beekeeping — becoming an inspiration for many unemployed youth.
Ashish’s journey began in 2023 when he received a Rs 8.42 lakh subsidy from the Horticulture Department to set up a 500-square-metre greenhouse. That March, he planted 2,500 red and yellow bell pepper plants, yielding five tons of produce and earning around Rs 7 lakh. Alongside this, he cultivated cucumbers in the same greenhouse, adding another Rs 2 lakh to his income.
Under the Floriculture Revolution Scheme, he planted 500 lavender plants, capitalising on their high market demand for oil and extracts. His proactive approach to government support also led him to poultry farming, where he received 50 chicks at Rs 10 per chick from the Animal Husbandry Department. Selling eggs and poultry brought him around Rs 50,000, and he efficiently utilised poultry waste in his fish farming venture.
Ashish’s success isn’t limited to farming and poultry. During the Covid pandemic, he ventured into aquaculture, constructing two water storage tanks (1.5 lakh litres and 60,000 litres). The Fisheries Department provided 5,000 fish seeds at Rs 1 per seed, leading to a one- tonne fish harvest and Rs 1 lakh in income in June–July 2024.
Beekeeping added another revenue stream. In 2023, he received a Rs 1.36 lakh subsidy for 48 honeybee boxes. By 2024, he had produced 1.5 tonnes of honey, selling it online and at She-Haat in Kwagdhar, generating Rs 5 lakh in revenue.
In mushroom farming, he benefited from an Rs 8 lakh subsidy under the Mushroom Development Scheme to build a shed, climate-controlled chamber, and compost unit. Within a year, he produced 30 tonnes of mushrooms, earning Rs 30 lakh. Additionally, he received Rs 2.5 lakh for a 1,200 sq ft cold storage unit and Rs 1.03 lakh for a borewell, ensuring efficient storage and water supply.
Ashish also excels in fruit cultivation. His orchard has 2,500 Gala, Jeromine, and Scarlet-2 apple trees. Last year, he harvested 200 apple boxes, earning Rs 4 lakh at the Parwanoo market. To protect his orchard, the government provided a Rs 36,000 subsidy for an anti-hail net.
His 5,000-plant apple nursery is another profitable venture. Selling saplings at Rs 300 per plant, he generates Rs 15 lakh annually.
His 400-plant kiwi orchard has also flourished. With a 60 kg yield per plant, he harvested 20 tonnes of kiwis, earning Rs 19 lakh this year. Through the Kiwi Promotion Scheme, he received a Rs 5.5 lakh subsidy to expand his orchard. Now, he aims to cultivate 1 lakh kiwi saplings by December. At Rs 150 per plant, this venture alone is projected to bring in Rs 1.5 crore.
Ashish’s diverse businesses contribute to an annual income of around Rs 5 crore. His success has not only made him financially independent but has also created employment for 10-12 local workers, whom he pays Rs 16,000-18,000 per month.
Encouraging young people to explore government schemes instead of chasing government jobs, Ashish credits Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Himachal Pradesh government for their support.
His journey is a testament to how vision, perseverance, and the right opportunities can transform rural economies. Ashish Gautam’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with determination and support, success is within reach.
