From No Money For Tea To Earning In Crores: How A Ranchi Entrepreneur's Foreign Idea Paid Off

In a story that mirrors grit and enterprise, Shashi Bhushan, a resident of Ranchi in Jharkhand, has carved a niche in the global export market through his company, Elon Export Private Limited. The firm specialises in exporting spices and dehydrated vegetables, ranging from dried tomatoes, cabbage, beetroot and carrots to an assortment of chutneys and spice powders, to international markets.

Bhushan sources these products from local farmers, creating a supply chain that not only supports rural producers but also caters to growing overseas demand. “There is a significant appetite for such products abroad,” he said, pointing to the convenience factor that drives their popularity.

A graduate in hotel management from ISM Ranchi, Bhushan’s early exposure

to international markets during a course visit to Thailand proved pivotal. Subsequent travels to countries like Thailand and Malaysia helped him identify a gap. He observed that spices were sold at premium prices, often without adequate value addition or fair sourcing practices. Recognising both the demand and ethical opportunity, he decided to obtain the necessary licences and enter the export business.

Today, his company offers over 25 to 30 varieties of dehydrated vegetables, products that require minimal preparation and are particularly favoured in fast-paced urban lifestyles abroad. “People don’t always have the time to buy, wash, cut and cook vegetables. With dehydrated options, you just add water and they’re ready,” Bhushan explained. His product line also includes lesser-known items such as ginger and garlic powders, enabling quick meal preparation in as little as five minutes.

Despite the current success, Bhushan’s journey has been far from easy. Coming from a modest background, he struggled to complete his education and recalls a time when even buying a cup of tea required careful thought. Today, his company records a turnover in crores.

Operating from his office in Kokar, Ranchi, Bhushan employs 15-20 permanent staff members, many of whom have been with him for years. Reflecting on his journey, he noted the shift from seeking employment to becoming a job creator, a transition that underscores both personal resilience and entrepreneurial vision.