Her rural oasis of green lends respite to Ludhiana

Ludhiana, known as Punjab’s most congested city, grapples with myriad challenges. However, joyous hope blossoms amidst the urban sprawl, concrete chaos and unemployment in the form of a sprawling 5.5-acre oasis of green located in a rural area on the outskirts of the city. It’s a special kind of joy that only a passionate gardener can understand.

Welcome to Botanika The Nursery, the brainchild of Ramandeep Kaur Sandhu. The agripreneur, who hails from Mansa district, made Ludhiana her home after marriage in 2013, and started her entrepreneurial journey in 2020. 

Despite years of working in the private sector, Sandhu, a post-graduate by education, harboured a longing for something more — a desire to build her own enterprise while fostering employment opportunities for others. She established Botanika on a one-acre plot in Birmi village. In a short span of time, the nursery has flourished, boasting an annual turnover of Rs 5 crore.

“I had a dream that I would have my own business… Now, my project has grown,” Sandhu said, drawing from the old Mandarin maxim that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the second best time is now.

As a mother balancing childcare and household responsibilities, her entrepreneurial spirit is fuelled by a profound sense of purpose. Her vision for Botanika extends beyond personal success. With a workforce of 35, including 20 women, the nursery not only nurtures plants but also fosters livelihood. From supervisors to accountants and delivery personnel, each member plays a vital role in the venture’s operations. 

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For workers like Bhago, Sandhu is more than an employer. 

“She is a godsend,” Bhago reflected. “She not only provides employment but also serves as a milestone for others aspiring to achieve their dreams.”

The journey to success, however, was fraught with challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic cast a shadow of uncertainty, forcing businesses to shutter and economies to falter. Undeterred, Sandhu saw opportunity amid adversity, pivoting her business model to offer home delivery services for plants in Ludhiana. This approach not only sustained the nursery but propelled its growth.

With over 1,000 varieties of plants and flowers, including imports from China and Spain, Botanika caters to the discerning tastes of homeowners seeking decorative foliage. Supported by her husband, an agriculture officer, Sandhu’s drive combined with his knowledge enriches Botanika’s offerings.

Sandhu aims to establish Botanika as a comprehensive gardening destination, offering a diverse range of plants and imported varieties. 

“My target is to make a big nursery not only in Punjab, but in India, where all the facilities will be provided under a single roof,” she said.

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The lead image at the top shows Botanika The Nursery, located in Birmi village of Ludhiana in Punjab. (Photo by Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir)

Kiranjit Kaur is a Village Square Fellow ’23. She works as an independent journalist in Punjab.