A science graduate from Odisha, A. Sanjeev Reddy, has successfully built a flower cultivation and trading business, Happy Dukan, with an annual turnover of approximately ₹1 crore. His journey, which began over two decades ago, is a testament to persistence, overcoming repeated setbacks including failed ventures and natural disasters.
From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurial Dreams
Sanjeev Reddy started his career in 1995 as a Planning Assistant, earning around ₹96,000 annually. Driven by a desire for independence, he saved diligently and completed a diploma in business administration. In 2000, he resigned from his corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship.
Early Struggles in Mushroom Farming
His initial foray into business involved mushroom cultivation. He launched a 2,000-square-foot paddy mushroom unit in 2001. An expansion in 2005 during an unsuitable winter season led to significant losses. After a brief return to employment, he attempted a larger 10,000-square-foot mushroom unit in 2013, cultivating oyster and paddy straw varieties. However, this venture faced a major blow in 2019 when Cyclone Hudhud severely damaged his infrastructure.
“Every setback teaches you something. After the cyclone, I decided to return with a stronger and more sustainable business model,” Sanjeev Reddy stated, reflecting on his challenges.
A New Bloom: Floriculture Success
Reddy's fortunes shifted in 2020 when he pivoted to floriculture. He partnered with the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, to cultivate 'Namoh-108', a premium 108-petalled lotus variety. Investing ₹1.08 lakh, he gained access to seedlings and cultivation technology. He leased village tanks across four water bodies in Makarajhola Panchayat, incurring an annual cost of ₹3 lakh, and further purchased 10,000 lotus saplings from Nagercoil.
Within 60 to 70 days, the lotus plants began to flower. Today, his lotus farms produce over 30,000 flowers annually, supplying markets in Delhi, Ludhiana, and Kolkata. By 2021-22, lotus cultivation alone generated a turnover exceeding ₹5 lakh.
Expanding Horizon: Marigolds and Flower Trading
Encouraged by his success, Sanjeev expanded into African marigold cultivation in 2023. He leased four acres in Karatali village, starting with 1,000 saplings, which has now grown to nearly 7,000 plants. Each acre yields 8 to 10 tonnes of flowers, selling for around ₹30 per kg, with prices soaring up to ₹200 per kg during festive seasons.
Reddy is committed to natural farming, using organic inputs like Jeevamruta and Bijamruta, and Agniastra for pest control, advocating for reduced chemical use among other farmers.
His wife, T. Jayashree Reddy, transformed her registered venture, Happy Dukan, into a comprehensive flower procurement and distribution business. Happy Dukan now sources approximately 25 varieties of flowers, including lotus, rose, gerbera, and African marigold, from various Indian states. Focusing on competitive pricing and strong customer relationships, Happy Dukan has become a prominent flower business in southern Odisha, achieving an annual turnover of ₹1 crore.
The enterprise currently employs 12 permanent workers, providing them with a monthly income of ₹15,000, along with accommodation and meals. Additional workers are hired during peak demand seasons, further contributing to local employment.
Sanjeev Reddy's journey underscores the power of resilience and innovation in transforming a dream into a thriving enterprise, even in the face of significant business and environmental challenges.