Aastha Singh, hailing from Bihar, made a remarkable transition from modelling to the corporate sector before leaving her well-paid job to empower farmers. Previously celebrated in the modelling and corporate arenas, she has now become a transformative force as a successful entrepreneur. Aastha established Gramshree Kisan, a business that has evolved into a successful enterprise. Let's read her inspiring journey from model to accomplished businesswoman.

Entering the modelling world after class 12

Aastha Singh, hailing from Patna, ventured into the modelling industry after completing her class 12. However, she prioritised her education, earning an engineering degree from Pune followed by an MBA. While balancing her studies and modelling, she worked for prominent companies such as Tata Teleservices, Bharti Infratel Limited, and OYO. As a City Head at OYO, she received an impressive annual salary of Rs 18 lakh. Nevertheless, her aspirations reached beyond the corporate sphere.

Leaving modelling 

Aastha had a deep passion for modelling. After a photoshoot in Mumbai, she was chosen to participate in an international modelling competition, which would take her to the Philippines. However, faced with disapproval from her family, she chose to forgo this dream and stepped away from modelling to focus on improving the lives of farmers.

Launching 'Gramshree Kisan' in June 2019

In June 2019, Aastha founded Gramshree Kisan with the goal of empowering farmers and linking them to modern technologies and resources. She started a YouTube channel, where she shared videos focused on farming, animal husbandry, and fish farming. In 2020, she introduced a mobile app that became incredibly beneficial for farmers. By 2021, the first Gramshree Kisan centre was inaugurated in Patna.

Free training, accommodation, food, and travel for farmers

The business model of Gramshree Kisan centres on securing fair prices for farmers' products while promoting self-reliance. The initiative offers training in animal husbandry, fish farming, and agriculture. Their 3-acre centre in Patna provides extensive training in goat, cow, poultry, and fish farming, along with complimentary accommodation, meals, and travel expenses for participants during their training period.

Funding for the startup 

Aastha initially invested her savings of Rs 27 lakh to kickstart the venture. Her partner firm contributed an additional Rs 30 lakh to help launch the business. Furthermore, she secured Rs 10 lakh through the Bihar government's startup policy and received a grant of Rs 24 lakh from the Indian government, which significantly aided in expanding the business.

Over 6,000 farmers associated with the project

Gramshree Kisan now operates across 26 blocks in Bihar, providing support to over 6,000 farmers through training in modern farming and animal husbandry techniques. As a result, farmers have seen increases in both production and income. Aastha's dedication and hard work have established her as a successful entrepreneur, with the business achieving a turnover that exceeds Rs 3 crore.

Success in poultry and dairy farming 

Aastha's Gramshree Kisan has made significant strides in poultry, dairy, and fish farming. Her poultry farm, which began with just 100 chickens, has expanded to accommodate 1,000 birds. Likewise, her dairy operations have grown from 2 cows to 10. In addition to these achievements, she has also found considerable success in both fish and goat farming.