In a world where most people follow the corporate path, Deepak Raj Tushir from Janti Khurd village in Haryana chose a different route. After a decade in the corporate world, Deepak, a computer engineer, traded his well-established career at Wipro to build a dairy empire, now boasting an annual turnover of Rs. 23 crores. His success story is not just about financial gain but also about uplifting his community and reviving traditional farming through modern technology.
From IT to Dairy Farming: The Bold Shift
Growing up in Sonipat, Deepak’s academic journey led him to a degree in Computer Science Engineering and an MBA in Information Technology. His expertise secured him a 10-year stint in the corporate world, but despite the professional rewards, something felt missing. In 2012, driven by a passion to make a more significant impact, he returned to his roots, partnering with two New Zealand farmers and his computer engineer colleagues Pankaj Navani and Sukhvinder Saraf. Together, they founded Binsar Farms, a dairy venture aimed at revolutionizing the way dairy farming is done in India.
Starting the Dairy Journey
The journey began modestly with the purchase of a one-year-old heifer—a young female cow yet to give birth. Deepak and his partners focused on three main breeds: HF (Holstein Friesian), Jersey, and Indian breeds. These choices were not random; each breed was selected for its compatibility with machine milking, essential for the efficiency of modern dairy farming.
Challenges Along the Way
However, the road to success was far from easy. “Buying cattle was itself a challenge. We were computer engineers trying to enter a new field, and people mocked us for our lack of experience,” Deepak recalls.
Their first setback came when they purchased 50 cattle, but only 35 survived due to diseases. It was a humbling and disheartening start, and the loss of 15 cattle made them question their decision.
The Turning Point: From Setbacks to Success
Determined not to give up, Deepak and his team used their IT expertise to analyze the situation. They began tracking the weight of the cows and conducting lab tests to monitor their health. “After losing 15 cattle, we realized we needed to use our IT knowledge to analyze the situation. We began weighing the cows and conducting lab tests, discovering that healthy cows had good weight, while underweight ones suffered from diseases,” explains Deepak.
This data-driven approach became the foundation of their farming practices, allowing them to identify health issues early and improve the overall well-being of their cattle.
Building a Sustainable Dairy Business
Binsar Farms quickly became known for its high-quality dairy products. Deepak and his partners implemented strict protocols for cattle management and imported semen from reputable sources to ensure superior genetics. Their focus on quality paid off, with healthier cows and higher milk yields setting them apart from local competitors.
Overcoming Market Challenges
Despite the improvements in quality, Deepak faced another challenge: the market didn’t value their efforts initially. “Many farmers earned only Rs. 18-19 per liter, which was disheartening after our hard work and investments,” Deepak recalls.
To address this, they pivoted their business model, deciding to package and sell their milk in bottles. This simple change resonated with customers, who were willing to pay more for quality, fresh milk. Sales rapidly grew from a modest 4 to 10 liters per day to an impressive 7,000 to 8,000 litres.
Modernising Dairy Farming
Deepak’s 11-acre farm, employing 16 staff members including veterinarians and agricultural experts, runs like a well-oiled machine. They use advanced mechanization techniques, including PMR (Partially Mixed Ration) feeding, to optimize cattle nutrition and increase productivity. Their use of technology, coupled with hands-on farming experience, has turned Binsar Farms into a leading example of modern dairy farming in India.
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