Our Story – Orchard Growers Private Limited

From Crisis to Cultivation: The Journey of Orchard Growers

This is not just a story of a business—it's the story of resilience, roots, and reinvention. The journey of Orchard Growers Private Limited is deeply personal, shaped by trials that tested our spirit and inspired a vision to change how India cultivates its orchards.

When Everything Fell Apart

The seed of this venture was sown in a storm. I'm Pawan Kumar, the founder and executive director of Orchard Growers. Before I stepped into the world of orchards and fruit plants, I ran a medical store near Shree Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital, located in Nerchowk, Himachal Pradesh. Life was stable, work was steady, and like many small-town business owners, I had dreams of expanding over time.

But 2020 brought more than just a pandemic. COVID-19 wiped out regular business for months. A betrayal by a business partner left me blindsided and financially strained. Our landlord evicted us, forcing the store to shut down suddenly. The banks began calling, demanding repayment on loans I had no way to repay. In the span of a few months, everything I had built came crashing down. My business, my source of livelihood, and the security I had worked for—gone. I was left with no work, no income, and a pile of debt.

Finding Hope in My Roots

In the face of ruin, I returned to my roots—literally. Gardening and orcharding had always been a part of our ancestral way of life. In my childhood, I had seen my elders working in the soil, nurturing fruit trees, understanding seasons, and reading nature like a book. So, in those dark days when all else failed, I picked up a spade and began working again—with my hands, my back, and my heart.

I started taking up orchard-related jobs in my village and nearby areas—grafting, pruning, soil testing, seasonal upkeep. I worked in other farmers' orchards, and to my surprise, I began receiving appreciation and decent pay. My work brought joy to others. It healed me, too. In those two years, I realized something very important: 'If this ancestral knowledge and honest labor can support me during the worst time of my life, it can definitely support others too—and perhaps, on a larger scale.' That's when the idea was born.

The Spark of an Idea

While working in those orchards, I began to study the gaps. Most farmers lacked time, technical expertise, or the next-generation know-how to manage their fruit farms properly. Young people were migrating to cities. Many orchards were either abandoned or mismanaged. But with the right intervention—trained teams, scientific grafting, site-specific plant research—these farms could become green gold mines.

We discovered that farmers today face a range of critical challenges: Labor shortages, especially during peak orchard seasons. Lack of modern knowledge, with many relying on outdated methods. Absence of affordable, low-cost farming practices suited to local terrains. Unavailability of quality planting material and reliable suppliers. No long-term management plans or maintenance support for orchards. Struggles with pest control using safe, non-chemical methods. Emotional and financial burnout, causing farmers to abandon their land.

The thought kept growing stronger: What if we could manage orchards on contract, using organic, natural techniques, and give struggling farmers peace of mind? What if we could sell high-quality fruit plants, offer maintenance packages, and provide custom orchard planning? What if we could blend tradition with technology and bring orcharding back into the economic mainstream? I shared this dream with two close friends. All three of us had shared struggles and dreams. Together, we planned to register a company and launch this mission. But fate had another twist.

A Dream Shaken but Not Broken

Just when we were about to take the final step, my two friends backed out. It was heartbreaking. But by then, I had already committed—emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Giving up was not an option. I took a decision: I would do it alone. I asked my wife, Mrs. Kamla Thakur, to become the second director of the company. Without hesitation, she supported me, knowing how important this mission had become for us—not just as a business but as a second chance at life.

On 12th May 2022, we officially registered Orchard Growers Private Limited. From that day on, I've been building it from scratch. Alone, yes—but not lonely. Every client we serve, every orchard we manage, every fruit sapling we plant adds to the story.

Building Block by Block

We started with one orchard contract. Then another. Then plant deliveries. Then digital consultations. Slowly but surely, Orchard Growers began to grow organically, like the trees we care for. Some milestones along the way: Designed a web platform and mobile-friendly PWA to allow online bookings. Onboarded a network of horticulturists and field experts. Launched research-based plant planning for different soil and climate zones. Worked with small and large farmers across Himachal Pradesh. Emphasized organic methods, natural pesticides, and biodiversity.

Every orchard we revive brings a happy farmer back into focus. We've seen smiles return to faces where despair had settled. We've trained farmers who now confidently graft their own trees or manage seasonal pests without harmful chemicals. We've seen abandoned orchards bloom again with fruit and promise.

Looking to the Future

Today, Orchard Growers is no longer just my story—it's a community. Our next goals: Set up cold storage for fruit preservation. Launch a fleet of cold transportation vehicles for safe delivery. Empower more rural youth with orchard training. Expand to Punjab, Uttarakhand, and eventually across India. We're working toward a future where no orchard is neglected, no farmer feels alone, and every fruit farm becomes a beacon of sustainable growth.

We are not here to sell products. We are here to sow change. We are not here to chase trends. We are here to root people to the soil again. We want every struggling farmer, every empty orchard, every abandoned garden to come alive again—with life, with fruit, with hope.

A Story You Can Be Part Of

We hope our story connects with yours. Whether you're a small farmer, a curious gardener, a rural entrepreneur, or someone looking to support a meaningful cause—Orchard Growers welcomes you. We built this out of pain, but also out of purpose. Let's grow together.

— Pawan Kumar

Founder & Executive Director

Orchard Growers Private Limited