From IIT to the Multicrore Dairy Business: Dr. Kishore Indukuri’s Journey with Sid’s Farm

A US-returned engineer blends innovation, ethics, and quality to transform India’s dairy industry.

Early Career and Transition

Dr. Kishore Indukuri, an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, furthered his education with a master’s and doctorate in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. After working for six years at Intel Corporation in the USA, he decided to pursue entrepreneurship in India, returning in 2013.

Inspired by Hyderabad’s demand for unadulterated milk, Kishore invested ₹1 crore to establish Sid’s Farm near Hyderabad. Starting with just 20 cows on leased farmland in Shamshabad, the company aimed to provide high-quality, ethically sourced dairy products directly to customers.

Challenges and Growth

• Initial Struggles:

In its early years, Sid’s Farm faced funding shortages and regulatory challenges. At one point, Kishore ran out of funds, forcing him to rethink and streamline operations. The business started with a hands-on approach: Kishore managed calls and orders himself, often beginning work at 2 a.m. as customer demand grew.

• Quality Focus:

Sid’s Farm prioritizes the health and well-being of its cattle, ensuring stress-free environments and nutritious fodder. The company also performs over 10,000 quality tests daily, guaranteeing milk free of antibiotics, hormones, and preservatives.

• Expansion:

By 2016, the company was delivering 20,000 liters of milk daily. Innovations like shifting from steel cans to glass bottles, and eventually to pasteurized milk pouches, helped streamline delivery.

In 2022, Sid’s Farm reported revenues of approximately ₹125 crore, offering a diverse product line that includes cow and buffalo milk, ghee, curd, and paneer. The company now caters to markets beyond Hyderabad and Bangalore, aspiring to be a household name in ethical and sustainable dairy production.

Vision and Philosophy

Kishore’s entrepreneurial journey was driven by a personal promise to deliver the best milk for his son, Siddhartha, after whom the farm is named. Although he once envisioned a laidback life reading books under a tree, his commitment to quality and innovation transformed Sid’s Farm into a thriving business that upholds community welfare and sustainability.

Sid’s Farm exemplifies the power of combining technical expertise with a passion for ethical practices. Dr. Kishore Indukuri’s journey from an Intel engineer to a successful “milkman” is a testament to the impact of perseverance, innovation, and a vision rooted in societal well-being.