At just a young age and still pursuing her degree in horticulture, Kolpi Dai has managed to do what many consider daunting, launch a successful vermicomposting venture using locally available resources. Her journey from assisting her grandfather to founding a fully registered startup is a testament to her resilience, vision, and belief in the power of sustainable innovation.
Seeds of a Green Venture
Kolpi's journey began in 2015, during her undergraduate years in horticulture. It was a simple act of helping her grandfather build a small vermicompost unit under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme that sparked her interest. "I was still in college then and started helping my grandfather with his vermicomposting unit. Gradually, I realized the potential of this work, not just environmentally, but economically as well,” she recalls.
Her interest evolved into ambition, and by 2020, she had formally registered her startup, Esem Organics LLP. Today, her venture produces about 12 tonnes of vermicompost annually, contributing significantly to the organic agriculture movement in the region.
Leveraging Local Innovation
What sets Esem Organics apart is its innovative use of local biomass in composting. Unlike traditional vermicomposting, which relies heavily on paddy straw and cow dung, Kolpi has experimented with banana pseudostems, water hyacinth, and other organic wastes readily available in the region.
"Using banana pseudostems increases potassium content in the compost, which is vital for plant growth," Kolpi explains. "Water hyacinth, on the other hand, reduces composting time drastically, from 30 days with paddy straw to just 20–25 days."
These innovations not only improve nutrient quality but also offer environmentally sustainable methods to deal with local waste. By aligning her methods with the specific agro-climatic conditions of Arunachal Pradesh, Kolpi has created a model that is both efficient and replicable.
Ensuring Quality and Scaling Smartly
Quality assurance has been a priority from the start. The compost produced at Esem Organics is regularly sent for nutrient analysis, and its performance has shown marked improvement in comparison to traditional composting methods. The varying nutrient values derived from different substrates allow her to create targeted compost blends suitable for different crop needs.
When asked about expansion strategies, Kolpi shares her plans to tap into digital markets. “Currently, our products are sold in the local market, but we’re planning to list them on platforms like Amazon and collaborate with state departments for promotional activities during agricultural fairs and government initiatives,” she says. By combining offline outreach through events like Kisan Melas with online accessibility, she’s preparing to scale her impact across the region and beyond.
A Model of Frugality and Resourcefulness
Starting up wasn’t easy, especially as a student with limited resources. Kolpi saved her personal funds to register her company and gradually scaled operations. Her breakthrough came through funding from the RKVY RAFTAAR program, which enabled her to construct a full-fledged unit.
“For those starting out, even ₹10,000 is enough,” she advises. “You can begin with one bed or even HDPE bags, using kitchen waste as the substrate and a small batch of vermiworms. Once the worms multiply and the process stabilizes, you can scale up.”
This approach not only makes entrepreneurship accessible but also encourages self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods, particularly among rural youth and women.
Technical Expertise and a Scientific Edge
Esem Organics uses Eisenia foetida, commonly known as the Australian redworm, a species preferred globally for its rapid reproduction and high composting efficiency. “They are fast breeders and very effective in breaking down organic matter quickly,” Kolpi says.
This level of technical understanding, paired with hands-on experimentation, gives her a strong edge as a young entrepreneur who is both grounded in tradition and informed by science.
Funding and Policy Support: A Guiding Light
Kolpi’s journey highlights the importance of government schemes in nurturing agripreneurs. She actively encourages others to explore funding opportunities from state and central government bodies. “Schemes like RKVY RAFTAAR and support from Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Parks provide initial funding and mentorship,” she explains.
She emphasizes the importance of doing research and reaching out to incubation centers that offer guidance and grants. Having herself completed an internship at a RAFTAAR centre in Pasighat, Kolpi believes that institutional support can bridge the gap between rural ambition and entrepreneurial success.
Challenges and Resilience
Like every venture, Esem Organics faced its share of challenges. Financial constraints, logistical issues, and balancing academics with entrepreneurship were among the major hurdles. But Kolpi’s resolve saw her through. “I didn’t let the lack of money stop me. I saved, worked hard, and never gave up,” she says.
Her story underscores the significance of persistence. She urges fellow students to start small, seek help when needed, and believe in their ability to make a difference.
An Inspiration to Aspiring Agripreneurs
When asked what advice she would give to young individuals who hesitate to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, Kolpi responds earnestly: “If you truly want to do something, you will find a way. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start small, keep learning, and build as you go. If I can do it, so can you.”
Her words resonate deeply in a time when the country is pushing for a transition to organic farming and sustainable practices. Vermicompost, being a natural and effective soil enhancer, plays a pivotal role in this transformation, and ventures like Esem Organics are at the forefront of this change.
As Kolpi continues to expand Esem Organics, she is setting an example for rural entrepreneurship, women-led businesses, and environmentally responsible farming. Her story is a beacon for thousands of aspiring agripreneurs across India, especially in the Northeast, proving that the road to impact begins with a single compost bed and the courage to dream.
