In 2016, people mocked Bhimraj Sharma for his unique idea of establishing a business with the use of cow dung. Today, he manufactures over a hundred products in his factories and sells them all over the world. His organic products made from cow dung are widely liked.
Jaipur: More than a hundred products are manufactured at the printing press of Bhimraj Sharma in Sudarshanpura Industrial Area of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Almost 20 employees work at the press and help in exporting the products in foreign countries as well. The company boasts an annual turnover of Rs 1 crore. His firm is called ‘Gaukriti’ and runs a business by making products from cow dung.
Making products from cow dung
It does sound baffling that Bhimraj Sharma’s company makes products from cow dung. Bhimraj shares that laying the foundation for the company was not an easy task. He started off with his work in the year 2016 and everyone around him raised questions about his choices. They found it impossible to believe that cow dung could be utilized for the purpose of running a business.
The process
Bhimraj started by making paper sheets from cow dung. He tried to sell his products in the market but failed to make any profitable sales. He delved into the study of market and understood the needs of the consumers. Bhimraj experimented and did a lot of research before arriving to the conclusion of making all-purpose papers. He further expanded his business by launching various other products made from cow dung. The formula for making cow dung was also patented.
Types of products
At present, Gaukriti manufactures over 100 products and sells them all over the country while also exporting them to foreign markets. Products like diaries, calendars, bags, rakhis for the occasion of Rakshabandhan, and many more such items are made.
Bhimraj has implemented unique ideas in the making of rakhis. Rakhis are made organically and are filled with plant seeds. These organic rakhis turn into beautiful plants once they are thrown into the fields after using.
How did it all start?
Bhimraj shares the instance when he got influenced by Rajiv Dixit, an Indian activist. He firmed upon the idea of making a contribution to his society. He wished to meet this great personality but later found out that he had already passed away.
Firstly, he pondered upon the idea of making medicinal products with cow urine. This venture did not seem viable, so he considered to use cow dung instead.
Making diyas
Bhimraj started off by making diyas (small sized oil-based lanterns) for the festival of Diwali. But he realized that they are only sold during the festival and cannot be a good source of income for the entire year. His daughter Jagriti Sharma told him about the process of making paper from elephant dung and from there Bhimraj tried to experiment with making paper from cow dung. The quality of the first few products did not come out good but today, his enterprise is known for manufacturing products of excellent quality.
Buying cow dung
This may sound astonishing to a few people, but one can buy cow dung at a price tag. Bhimraj sharma shares that his company buys cow dung for Rs 10 per kilogram. Initially, there was little interest or discussion about running a business with cow dung. However, after Bhimraj’s successful entreprise the situation has changed, and today more people are engaging in this work.
International exhibitions
Presently, Bhimraj Sharma is planning to showcase his organic products at an upcoming exhibition in Dubai in the month of September. He wishes to promote his organic rakhis while addressing the issue of plastic waste in traditional rakhis. Bhimraj’s version of rakhis sprout into plants once thrown into the soil, offering an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional rakhis.
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