In the bustling city of Ahmedabad, Charmy Malde’s journey from a Chemical Engineer to an Agripreneur is nothing short of inspiring. As the co-founder of GauNeeti, a Gir Cow Dairy startup, Charmy, alongside her husband Shreekant, has embarked on a path that combines technology, organic farming, and sustainability, transforming lives and contributing to a healthier future. This is a story of resilience, innovation, and a drive to provide purity to people in an industry that is often tainted by compromise.
The Beginning: A Desire for Purity
The journey to founding GauNeeti was sparked by a common concern faced by many city dwellers: adulterated food. Living in a fast-paced city like Ahmedabad, Charmy and Shreekant were no strangers to the challenges of sourcing pure and high-quality food at affordable prices. The adulteration of dairy products was a major concern, and as they witnessed more families struggling to find healthy, genuine alternatives, they decided to take matters into their own hands.
As a chemical engineer, Charmy had the technical expertise to understand how essential it was to maintain the purity of food. Her husband Shreekant, an ex-software engineer, brought a modern, tech-savvy approach to the table. Together, they both realized that while it was important to address the problem of adulteration, it was equally important to build something that would positively impact the environment and the community.
In 2017, they made the bold decision to leave their secure corporate jobs and dive into the world of agriculture and dairy farming, founding GauNeeti, with a simple goal in mind— to provide pure, healthy, and high-quality milk and dairy products. They chose the renowned Gir Cow breed, known for its A2 milk, which is said to have numerous health benefits.
GauNeeti: From Idea to Reality
What started with just four Gir cows has now blossomed into a thriving dairy business with a herd of 100+ cows, producing a range of organic dairy products, and even creating an impact through eco-friendly alternatives. GauNeeti offers premium A2 Gir Cow milk, Bilona Ghee, A2 Paneer, A2 Makhan (butter), A2 Yogurt, healthy Ghee-based snacks, Panchgavya products, and an assortment of organic fertilizers and pesticides.
But, like any entrepreneurial journey, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. After the first two years of operation, they realized that merely focusing on milk and milk-based products would not be sustainable in the long run. They needed to find a way to diversify and use all aspects of the cow, which had largely been overlooked in the traditional dairy business.
This led them to an innovative idea: Cowdung Art.
Innovating with Cowdung Art
Incorporating Cowdung into their business model was a decision born from necessity and creativity. While cowdung had long been used in farming, its value as a creative and eco-friendly resource was not widely recognized. Charmy and Shreekant decided to explore its potential in creating beautiful, sustainable products that could not only sustain their business but also contribute to the environment.
“Cowdung has so much untapped potential,” Charmy says. “We began by making Ganesha idols for Ganesh Chaturthi, Diyas, Dhoop sticks, Agarbattis, Rakhis, and much more. The response was incredible. Not only were we able to provide eco-friendly alternatives to our customers, but we also empowered local women artisans by providing them with jobs.”
Through this innovative venture, they could support their business, create eco-friendly alternatives, and provide employment to over 20 women artisans who handcraft these products. The range of products now includes organic fertilizers like Vermicompost, Vermiwash, Jeevamrut, Biopesticides, Gaumutra Ark (cow urine), and more, giving back to the environment and promoting sustainability.
The Power of Technology at GauNeeti
Running a successful dairy startup in today’s world requires a strategic combination of tradition and modernity. Recognizing the need for technology in managing their growing business, Charmy and Shreekant integrated a mobile app that streamlined operations at GauNeeti. The app allows customers to manage milk deliveries, order products, handle payments, generate billing, and track delivery routes— simplifying the entire process for both the customers and the business.
For back-end operations, they rely on cloud-based software for billing, accounting, and bookkeeping, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in day-to-day operations. This integration of technology into their business model has been key in scaling the company and managing its growing customer base.
From Small Beginnings to Big Impact
Starting with just four cows and a handful of milk products, GauNeeti has grown significantly over the years. Today, the business boasts a herd of over 100 Gir cows and offers more than 25 different products. They now serve over 500 health-conscious families in Ahmedabad, while being connected to more than 2,000 families across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
Their growth is not just limited to their product range and customer base. They are also contributing to the local economy by providing direct employment to over 30 individuals. Through their cowdung art and organic fertilizer range, they have expanded their reach and impact, helping to foster sustainable practices in the community.
Empowering Farmers and Future Generations
One of the central goals of GauNeeti is to inspire young, progressive farmers to embrace dairy and agriculture as viable, rewarding professions. In India, the dairy industry remains largely unorganized, and agriculture is not often seen as an attractive career option. Through their own example, Charmy and Shreekant aim to demonstrate that with the right approach, technology, and passion, dairy and agriculture can become sustainable, prosperous fields.
They have taken this vision further by conducting an Entrepreneurship Development Program on Cow-Based Entrepreneurship. With the support of Gujarat Government’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, this program has trained more than 45 aspiring individuals, helping them start their own dairy businesses and agricultural ventures.
By integrating technology into farming and dairy operations, Charmy and Shreekant are creating a blueprint for sustainable farming practices that could help reshape the future of India’s agriculture industry.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As GauNeeti celebrates its 7th year in business, Charmy reflects on the journey that has brought them here. The road to success has not been without its hurdles, but the rewards have far outweighed the challenges. The couple’s mission to provide pure, healthy food and empower local farmers and artisans has become a source of pride, both professionally and personally.
“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve built and the positive impact we’ve had on so many lives. It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has been a learning experience, and every success has been a step toward creating something that benefits not only our customers but also the environment and our community,” says Charmy.
The future for GauNeeti looks bright. With plans to expand their reach, continue to innovate, and inspire others to take the plunge into agriculture, Charmy and Shreekant are determined to contribute to a more sustainable, healthier future.
As they continue to grow their herd, expand their product range, and empower more people to embrace eco-friendly practices, Charmy remains passionate about her mission. She believes that the future of agriculture and dairy lies in the hands of those who are willing to innovate and embrace change.
“We’ve only just begun. The road ahead is full of opportunities, and we are excited to continue this journey of transformation, sustainability, and growth,” says Charmy, her eyes gleaming with hope and determination.
Supporting Organic Farming at Sristi Farmers Market
We regularly participate in the Sristi Farmers Market, which takes place at various locations in Ahmedabad every Thursday and Sunday. Sristi provides a platform for verified and certified organic farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers, ensuring fresh, high-quality, and sustainable products.
Conclusion: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
From a Chemical Engineer to an Agripreneur, Charmy Malde’s journey is a story of passion, resilience, and the desire to make a difference. Alongside her husband Shreekant, she has turned GauNeeti into more than just a dairy startup—it is a movement to promote healthy, pure food, sustainable practices, and empowerment for women and farmers alike.
With their unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and the environment, GauNeeti is not just transforming the dairy industry; it is creating a positive ripple effect that will continue to inspire and impact generations to come.
As they look to the future, Charmy and Shreekant remain dedicated to their mission of providing premium, pure products while fostering a sustainable future for agriculture and dairy in India.
