In the heart of India’s organic farming revolution stands an unexpected changemaker – Shashi Kumar, a former IT professional who turned away from a promising career in the tech industry to empower farmers and transform the dairy landscape. He is the founder of Akshayakalpa, an innovative organic milk brand that partners directly with rural farmers, providing them with technology, resources, and training to produce high-quality organic milk. Launched with the vision of creating farmer-entrepreneurs, Akshayakalpa does much more than offer dairy solutions—it builds rural livelihoods and reinstates dignity in farming. Today, Akshayakalpa is a model for sustainable agriculture and a thriving business that demonstrates how rural innovation can be both profitable and impactful.
From Bangalore Tech Halls to Rural Fields
Shashi Kumar guiding farmers on organic practices
After completing his education and building a promising career in the software industry, Shashi Kumar felt a growing disconnect between his work and the impact he wished to create. Inspired by the challenges faced by his farmer friends and family, he chose to return to his roots. But instead of traditional farming, he envisioned a modern, sustainable, and profitable rural model. With this mission, Akshayakalpa was born—bringing together science, technology, and rural wisdom to empower farmers to become entrepreneurs in the organic dairy space. Shashi’s transition is a rare example of someone leaving behind a high-paying corporate life to create systemic change in rural India.
The Akshayakalpa Model – Where Tech Meets Cow
Akshayakalpa’s smart dairy infrastructure
Akshayakalpa isn’t just another milk brand. It is a full-stack model where farmers are trained, supported, and provided with state-of-the-art infrastructure—automated milking machines, biogas units, and solar-powered water heaters. This ensures hygiene, sustainability, and efficiency. Farmers are also provided with cattle feed and veterinary care. Akshayakalpa purchases the milk at a premium price, allowing farmers to earn substantially more than traditional methods. By eliminating middlemen and introducing transparent processes, the model builds trust and long-term partnerships with over 1000 farmers.
Building a Sustainable & Scalable Rural Ecosystem
Self-sufficient farm model at Akshayakalpa
At the core of Akshayakalpa lies the principle of sustainability—not just environmental, but economic and social too. Each farm is a self-sufficient unit where waste is converted into energy, and water is reused through smart irrigation. Farmers' children are educated, and their families receive healthcare access. By bringing dignity and profitability back to farming, Akshayakalpa is encouraging the next generation to view agriculture as a viable career path. The model is being replicated in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and is eyed for national scale.
Future of Organic – Akshayakalpa’s Vision for India
Vision of organic food and empowered farmers
Akshayakalpa’s vision extends beyond dairy. The company is expanding into organic vegetables, ready-to-eat food products, and a digital platform that directly connects consumers to farmers. Shashi Kumar envisions a future where every Indian household has access to safe, organic food, and every farmer earns with dignity. By blending ancient knowledge with modern innovation, Akshayakalpa is redefining India’s rural future—one farm at a time.
A Cow, A Computer & A Cause
Shashi Kumar’s journey is a shining example of how tech minds can spark grassroots revolutions. Akshayakalpa is more than a business—it’s a movement. It proves that when purpose meets innovation, transformation follows.
