The journey of Biradhar Veer Shetty, from a humble farmer’s son in Gangapur village, Telangana, to a successful entrepreneur with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 1 crore, is a testament to resilience and vision. Starting with limited resources, Shetty has revolutionized millet farming and processing, empowering thousands of farmers while championing sustainable agricultural practices.
His story is one of hard work, innovation, and unwavering determination, demonstrating how a passion for change can transform both lives and communities.
Humble Beginnings and Early Challenges
Shetty was a small-time farmer from a farming family in Gangapur village. He could only study up to ninth grade. Since there were no schools nearby, he left home and became a truck helper. Later, he became a truck driver across the states. He had 11 acres of land during that time.
Shetty has always dreamed of doing something different. His experience working at Ramoji Film City as a driver and doing small artist work experiences have always given him crucial exposure, but the shift in his life came as an artist at ICRISAT, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics.
Shetty’s Path to Millet Farming
In 2006, Shetty joined ICRISAT as a Driver Cum General Assistant. During his tenure, he worked closely with renowned scientists and learned about agricultural practices aimed at improving farmers' lives. A trip to Beed, Maharashtra, in 2009, during a sorghum project, was a turning point. He witnessed poverty and experienced food challenges that inspired him to explore millet farming and value addition.
Shetty opened Hyderabad's first millet roti shop in 2009 with a small investment of Rs 20,000 and support from his mentors. His millet rotis became popular, and his business grew rapidly. He used his knowledge from ICRISAT to develop innovative millet products with long shelf lives for health-conscious consumers.
Expansion of the Business
Shetty's entrepreneurship has resulted in the creation of several ventures; some of the most prominent of these are Bhavani Foods, SS Agro Foods, and the Swavanshakti Agri Foundation. His ventures cover eight states of India and generate employment for 40 people. There are millet processing units, multi-pulse units, biomass pellet units, and a water plant that together earn a turnover of up to Rs 1 crore.
Empowering the Farmer through Swavanshakti Agri Foundation
Shetty established the Swavanshakti Agri Foundation in 2061 to help farmers. The foundation is now working in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) and other government organizations towards millet farming and value addition. Shetty has trained thousands of farmers with very sustainable practices, thereby catapulting them to earn very high incomes.
Shetty has created self-help groups and farmer collectives that empower women and farmers to process and market their produce. This approach has nearly doubled the incomes of many farmers and puts forth the impact of adding value.
Innovative Products and Market Expansion
Shetty's companies manufacture a variety of millet-based products, such as rotis, multigrain ladoos, biscuits, and snacks, under the Millovit brand. These products are sold in five outlets across Delhi, Hyderabad, Warangal, Mehboobnagar, and Sadashivpeth. He ensures farmers earn more and reach broader markets by adding value to raw produce.
Awards and Recognitions
Shetty has won various awards including the Best Farmer Award conferred by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and the Best Millet Misharayya Award given by IIMR. Innovative methods and a sustainability-oriented approach made Shetty a great role model before the eyes of farmers throughout India.
Revenue Growth and Future Outlook
Shetty today leads the business house where there is an annual turnover of Rs 1 crore more and has 30 acres of land now. It only shows the worth of millet cultivation and value addition. Shetty wants to assist 1 lakh farmers and provide jobs to 200 people by augmenting his area of operation to the agricultural domain.
Message of Inspiration for Others in Farming
Shetty’s journey is a powerful example of how farmers can transform their lives through innovation and entrepreneurship. He highlights the importance of direct marketing, value addition, and sustainable practices. By taking ownership of their products and leveraging modern techniques, farmers can achieve financial stability and thrive in their businesses.
