Tag: Dairy Farm

Pradeep Singh

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Pradeep Singh: From Corporate Success to Dairy Farming Pioneer

In the heart of Rohtak, there resides a man who dared to break the mold of corporate success to follow his heart’s calling. Mr. Pradeep Singh, a native of this village, embarked on a journey that not only transformed his life but also left an indelible mark on his community. His story is one of passion, dedication, and a commitment to reviving the roots of his homeland.

Pradeep Singh’s journey began with a simple thought – a desire to contribute to his own community, where farming had always been an integral part of life. The lush fields and fertile lands of Rohtak inspired him to spread awareness about dairy farming and help fellow farmers overcome the challenges in this field.

After completing his MBA, Pradeep spent a decade in the corporate world, working for the renowned company Havells. However, he soon realized that his deep connection to his native place and his passion for agriculture called him back. He felt a profound need to do more for his community.

In December 2018, he founded “Bagdi Milk Power Milk Processing Enterprise,” a venture dedicated to transforming the dairy farming landscape in Rohtak. The enterprise produces a range of dairy products, including Badam Dudh, Lassi, Mava Barfi, Gulab Jamun, Kheer, and Paneer Pakode, all made from the highest quality milk.

Pradeep Singh’s mission goes beyond just producing dairy products; it’s about empowering the uneducated and unskilled youth of his region. He provides training to local farmers, teaching them how to obtain nutritious milk from buffaloes and what should be fed to the animals to maximize their health and milk production. Currently, approximately 80 farmers are associated with him, receiving fair prices for their produce.

What sets Pradeep Singh’s enterprise apart is his commitment to providing clean and healthy products to consumers. He owns cows, but for buffaloes, he collaborates with local farmers and educates them on best practices. This approach ensures that both the farmers and consumers benefit from his venture.

Not only does Pradeep involve farmers, but he also supports local artisans who provide him with traditional “mitti ke bartan” (clay utensils). These artisans are integral members of his farmer groups, helping maintain the authenticity of the products he offers. He utilizes modern machinery, such as a Mawa making machine and milk chillers, to ensure the highest quality and hygiene standards.

With 17 direct employees, 12 of whom contribute to the farms and five dedicated to producing ghee, Pradeep Singh has created meaningful employment opportunities in his community. His dedication to quality is reflected in the price of his ghee, which costs around Rs. 1500 per kg (cow) and Rs. 1200 per kg (buffalo), with additional shipping charges if needed.

Pradeep’s younger brother is also actively involved in the business, and the entire family supports his vision and efforts. Together, they have become a symbol of community-driven entrepreneurship in Rohtak.

Pradeep Singh’s journey has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of dairy farming and milk processing. He received awards from prestigious institutions like the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Pusa, Delhi, and Haryana Agricultural University in 2019.

Looking ahead, Pradeep Singh has ambitious plans for the future. He aims to expand his online presence and make a wider range of products available to customers, including sunflower oil. His unwavering commitment to his community and his dedication to quality have transformed him from a corporate success story to a dairy farming pioneer, revitalizing the farming landscape in Rohtak and inspiring many to follow their hearts and make a difference in their communities.

Navdeep Singh Virk

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Navdeep Singh Virk’s Journey: From 10 Black and White Holstein Friesian (HF) Cows to a Successful Dairy Farm of Red and White HF Cows 

Introduction

In the heart of Punjab’s Patiala district, in a village named Shergarh, a story of determination, innovation, and dedication unfolds. Navdeep Singh Virk, a passionate farmer, embarked on his journey in 2012 with just ten cows. Over the years, he has not only transformed his small dairy farm into a thriving enterprise but has also become a pioneer in promoting the European breed of Red and White Holstein Friesian (HF) cows in India. Navdeep’s success emphasizes the importance of genetic diversity, immunity, and high milk production.

The Beginning

Navdeep Singh Virk’s journey began with a modest herd of ten black and white Holstein Friesian cows. His vision was clear – to provide the best care for his cows and to continually improve their breed. To achieve this, he made the bold decision to import semen from Europe, specifically of the Red and white Holstein Friesian, which are known for their superior milk production and resilience. These Red and white Holstein Friesian breeds are distinct from the conventional A1/A2 milk cows, offering unique advantages. These cows have different names in different countries. These are known as Ayrshire in Scotland, Dutch in Pakistan, and Red and White HF in India.

Advantages of Red and White Holstein Breeds

One of the primary advantages of Red and white Holstein breeds, as Navdeep discovered, lies in their robust immunity. These cows are inherently less susceptible to diseases, making them a valuable asset for any dairy farmer. Moreover, they can endure harsh weather conditions, including temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius, without the need for additional cooling systems like foggers.

Navdeep’s herd now consists of 22 animals, including two bulls. Semen shortage, which is a common challenge for dairy farmers, is effectively managed by Navdeep through the use of his own produced bulls. After three years, a bull becomes capable of serving as a breeding sire. This not only ensures a sustainable source of semen but also allows Navdeep to sell high-quality bulls at better rates than cows. He has sold one bull, two milking cows and one heifer to the Animal Husbandry Department, Sikkim.

Expanding Horizons

Navdeep Singh Virk’s dedication to his farm extends beyond the borders of Punjab. He supplies semen to farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. His reputation for quality semen has even caught the attention of semen banks, who source semen from his farm. Navdeep’s commitment to breeding excellence has created a ripple effect in the dairy farming community.

Genetics and Milk Production

Navdeep firmly believes that milk production is heavily influenced by genetics. Consequently, he does not purchase cows from outside sources. Instead, he relies on careful breeding to maintain and improve the genetic quality of his herd. The result is a remarkable range of milk production, spanning from 7,000 to 13,000 liters per cow.

Navdeep’s dedication to genetic diversity also extends to preventing inbreeding. He maintains meticulous records to ensure that no inbreeding occurs within his farm, preserving the health and vitality of his cows.

Nutrition and Diet

To maximize milk production, Navdeep employs the services of a nutritionist who formulates balanced diets for his cows. On average, his cows produce 35 liters of milk per day, with some reaching an impressive 45 liters. The nutritionist takes into account factors like body weight and milk production to tailor diets to each cow’s specific needs.

Sustainable Practices

Navdeep’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of his farm. From the careful selection of Red and White HF breeds to the precise diets provided to his cows, he places a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. He also practices silage preparation with a focus on starch, green foliage, and protein content to ensure his cows receive the best nutrition.

Water and Comfort

Navdeep’s farm goes beyond just meeting the basic needs of his animals. He has set up tanks, bowls, and pools where fresh water is added daily. Cows have the freedom to spend time in the pool, which not only cools their bodies but also keeps their udders clean. This attention to the comfort of his animals is proof of Navdeep’s commitment to their well-being.


A Message to Farmers
Navdeep Singh Virk’s journey from ten cows to a thriving dairy farm is an inspiring tale for farmers across India. His success offers several valuable lessons:
Diversify Your Breeds: Navdeep encourages farmers to consider different breeds based on their specific conditions and budget. High milk production and immunity should be top priorities.
Start Small: Beginning with a small number of cows and gradually expanding is a wise strategy. Investing in cows that provide at least 25 liters of milk production is a good starting point.
Embrace Innovation: Navdeep’s use of imported semen and his emphasis on genetic diversity are key factors in his success. Farmers should not be afraid to adopt innovative practices.
Focus on Sustainability: Sustainable practices, such as careful nutrition planning and environmental responsibility, are crucial for long-term success in dairy farming.
Share Knowledge: Navdeep’s vision includes educating others about the benefits of these breeds.

Conclusion

Navdeep Singh Virk’s remarkable journey from a small dairy farm to a thriving enterprise shows his excellence in dairy farming. His story is an inspiration to farmers everywhere, offering valuable insights into the benefits of genetic diversity, immunity, and high milk production. Navdeep’s vision for the future includes expanding his farm’s capacity and further promoting the advantages of Red and White HF breeds. His message to fellow farmers is clear: adapt to changing conditions, focus on sustainability, and invest wisely for a prosperous future in dairy farming.

Gangaram

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Gangaram: A Journey from Education to Sustainable Farming

In the serene village Kalakh of Jaipur, Rajasthan, nestled amidst the landscapes of India, Mr. Gangaram embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation, transitioning from a career in education to becoming a staunch advocate for sustainable farming practices. His story is a testament to his unwavering commitment to promoting organic farming and fostering a culture of agricultural research and innovation in his community.

Before dedicating himself entirely to farming, Mr. Gangaram owned a school in his village from 2000 until 2016. In 2018, he handed over the reins to his brother to pursue his lifelong passion for agriculture. Recognizing the importance of knowledge sharing, Gangaram actively encourages trainees from various universities to visit his farm, providing them with valuable insights into sustainable farming practices.

Gangaram’s journey into sustainable farming began with formal training at HITC Horticulture in Durgapur and attending Organic Kheti training programs. Inspired by his agricultural background, he established the Seport Organic Farm and Agro Research Centre in November 2017.
Today, Gangaram’s farm is a thriving testament to his dedication. He cultivates a diverse range of crops, including cucumber, melons, strawberries, broccoli, figs, and various types of lettuce. In addition to these crops, he also grows seven different types of green fodder.

Gangaram’s journey into organic farming was fueled by a pivotal moment in 2012 when he read an article about the hazardous chemicals sprayed on crops in Punjab, leading to health issues. This revelation ignited his determination to pursue organic farming and promote chemical-free agriculture. In 2016, a visit to Mini Israel in Jaipur further solidified his commitment to farming by witnessing the success of over 500 polyhouses.

On August 28, 2017, Gangaram commenced his journey into polyhouse farming, having received training and guidance from experts in the field. He conducted extensive research, consulting with his family, who shared his agricultural background, before venturing into farming. Continuously seeking to enhance his knowledge and expertise, Gangaram emphasizes, “I took various pieces of training and to date don’t miss a chance of learning about farming.”

Gangaram’s dedication to sustainable farming extends beyond the boundaries of his polyhouse. He also breeds fish, raises Avishan sheep (10 for meat), and maintains a dairy farm with three Gir cows and five Murrah buffaloes. Currently, his polyhouse spans three acres, with a fourth acre under development. Overall, he supervises 15 bighas of land shared with his two brothers. While all of his farming practices are organic, the polyhouse requires the occasional use of WSf and Biohouse chemicals.

One of Gangaram’s unique features is his direct interaction with consumers. He sells strawberries directly to visitors and offers a wide variety of vegetables at local markets. Additionally, he supplies his produce to Kissan Mela, ensuring that his fresh and organic products reach a broader audience.

Gangaram’s commitment to education is evident as he welcomes two batches of students from SKN Unit City who are pursuing B.Sc as part of the RAWE program. His farm serves as an experiential learning platform, offering hands-on exposure to sustainable farming practices.

Gangaram’s remarkable journey has not gone unnoticed, earning him a series of prestigious awards and recognitions. In 2019, he was honored with the JB Kheti Award at the state level. In 2021, he was recognized as an innovative farmer by IARI, Delhi. He continued to receive accolades, including the Pandit Din Dayal Upodaya Karsi Award in 2021 and the IARI Fellow Award on February 9, 2022.

Looking to the future, Mr. Gangaram envisions expanding his sheep production by exploring more breeds and implementing sustainable practices. His relentless pursuit of knowledge, coupled with his dedication to sustainable farming, makes him a true trailblazer in the field of agriculture. Gangaram’s story serves as an inspiring example for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities through sustainable and organic farming practices.

In a world where sustainable agriculture is becoming increasingly important, Gangaram stands as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for those who wish to make a positive change. His dedication to organic farming and his commitment to sharing knowledge not only enrich his community but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Hardeep Singh

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In the heart of Ludhiana’s Rabbon Uchi village, a tale of ambition, dedication, and perseverance has unfolded over the past 15 years. At the center of this narrative is Hardeep Singh, a visionary dairy farmer who has transformed his dreams into reality through relentless hard work and an unwavering commitment to his craft. With an academic background in marketing, an MBA degree, and a stint at Tara Feed, Hardeep’s journey into the world of dairy farming is an inspiring testament to the possibilities that lie beyond traditional career trajectories.

Hardeep’s foray into dairy farming was no mere happenstance. His passion was ignited during his time at Tara Feed, where he had the opportunity to visit various farms as part of his job. These visits opened his eyes to the potential of dairy farming as a profitable and sustainable occupation. Armed with this newfound inspiration, he embarked on a journey that would lead him to become a pioneer in his field.

With a burning desire to learn and grow, Hardeep took extensive training in the field, initially focusing on buffalo farming before transitioning to cows. Armed with his newly acquired knowledge, he purchased 20 animals at the outset, and what sets his journey apart is his steadfast commitment to breeding. Unlike many in the industry who often rely on purchasing animals, Hardeep chose a different path. He decided to breed his own cows, a decision that not only spoke to his dedication but also set the stage for a self-sustaining farm. Over the years, his herd has grown to a total of 90 cows, comprising both Holstein Friesians (HF), with 40 actively contributing to milk production.

Obstacles, as Hardeep believes, are an inevitable part of any occupation. Yet, his approach to challenges is what truly defines him. He is not one to shy away; instead, he tackles each obstacle head-on, seeking innovative solutions. One such example is his battle against mastitis, a common and often debilitating condition in dairy cattle. Hardeep invested time and effort in researching and refining the nutrition of his cows’ feed. Drawing upon recommendations from institutions like Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Punjab Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA), he fine-tuned his cows’ diet, leading to a reduction in mastitis cases and an overall improvement in cow health.

Another challenge he confronted was repeat breeding. Through meticulous research and experimentation, he found a solution by incorporating the right mix of minerals and vitamins into the cows’ diet, effectively addressing the issue. Hardeep’s proactive approach doesn’t stop at on-farm solutions; he’s also tapped into the resources provided by the National Dairy Development Board. Leveraging their schemes, he secured subsidies for his initial purchase of 10 animals, giving his venture a solid financial boost.

In his pursuit of excellence, Hardeep leaves no stone unturned. He uses imported semen from reputable sources like Punjab Dairy Farmers Association, Avis, and Worldwide, enhancing the genetics of his herd. With an emphasis on technology, Hardeep employs software to monitor his cows’ health and productivity. Each cow wears a tag around its neck, and the software sends him real-time updates about their well-being, including any signs of sickness. The same software aids in optimizing artificial insemination timings, ensuring a higher success rate in breeding.

Hardeep’s accomplishments extend beyond the dairy barn. His family, especially his brothers, have been pillars of support throughout his journey. With 42 acres of land dedicated to agriculture, he maintains a symbiotic relationship between his farming endeavors. He cultivates crops such as potatoes and corn, the latter serving as silage for his cows. This integration not only reduces costs but also highlights Hardeep’s holistic approach to farming.

As Hardeep Singh continues to nurture his dairy farm in Ludhiana’s Rabbon Uchi village, his journey remains an inspiration to all who come across it. His ability to surmount challenges, embrace innovation, and sustain a thriving enterprise underscores the limitless possibilities that can emerge from a combination of passion and perseverance. In his story, we find not only a tale of individual success but also a roadmap for revitalizing and revolutionizing the agricultural landscape.

Message to farmers

Reflecting on his journey, Hardeep emphasizes the profitability of dairy farming, provided one pays meticulous attention to expenses and focuses on the crucial aspects of feed, breed, and cow management. He stands as a testament to the notion that with the right blend of passion, knowledge, and determination, even a non-traditional background can lead to extraordinary success. His story underscores the potential of agriculture as a dynamic and rewarding profession, inspiring aspiring farmers to think beyond conventional boundaries.

Binsar Farm

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Binsar Farm: How the Trio of Three Friends Succeeded In the Establishment of Farm to Table Milk Business

How many of you have ever thought about contributing to the agriculture society along with your busy job schedule? The answer is very few…

For a person who is professionally devoted to the agriculture field for him taking out time for the agriculture society is not a big deal, but for those who are in the service sector, for them yes it is a big deal.

Well, this is the story of three friends who realized their dreams while still attached to their respective job profiles and worked upon it mutually to make it true as Binsar Farm.

Pankaj Navani, 40, the idealist behind Binsar Farm, comes from a background where his grandfather used to work for the betterment of their village Gawani in Pokhara Block, Uttaranchal. His grandfather established three primary schools, one Kanya vidyalas, one intermediate and one degree college for the village children. The upbringing of Pankaj Navani in such environment where his grandfather’s unconditional voluntary work for the society, has built up a positive attitude of responsibility for the community and it has stayed with Pankaj till now.

Carrying his dreams with him, Pankaj was still looking for an opportunity, and while working in the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, he finally met his future partners, Deepak and Sukhvinder (who were interning under him). The idea of Binsar farm came into reality when three of them went on a trek in the hills of Binsar and lost their way while coming back. But luckily they met a kind shepherd and he invited them to his shed and they spent that night comfortably in his hut. Next morning the shepherd showed them the right trail back to the city and this is how their trek to Binsar which seems like a fairy-tale came to an end. Thinking about the kindness and humbleness of the shepherd they decided to do something for the people of Uttaranchal. Basically, first, they thought of picking up the fruits, vegetables, and lentils grown in mountains and sell them in the plains by gathering more village farmers. The trio working along with their respective jobs also started acting on this project and they started gathering support.

It’s the matter of 2011 when the trio almost began to discover the process to proceed with their dream project. As being the election year, wherever they went everybody supported their plan, and in the same year Pankaj flew to New Zealand while working on an official assignment. But it didn’t created much difference in their efforts on their dream project. In New Zealand, Pankaj met Earl Rattray, Founding Director of Fonterra Dairy Group. After having a warm and genuine talk with Earl Rattray, Pankaj shared his idea of dream project with him and after hearing the tale of Uttaranchal, Earl showed interest in joining the trio team and turning it into a quadruple dream. Earl Rattray came aboard as Partner-cum-Investor to turn the Binsar Farm project into reality.

As the election polling took place and the ruling party lost the polls, all the commitments and words vanished overnight and they were again at the zero level of the staircase to their dream project- Binsar Farm. But Pankaj, Deepak, and Sukhvinder never lose their hope and decided to adopt alternative option to help the agriculture society, and this is when Earl Rattray came up with his extensive experience of dairy farming to back up the Binsar Farm project.

resurgence-of-a-white-revolution
Sukhvinder Saraf, Pankaj Navani, Earl Rattray, A Friend, Deepak Raj (From Left to Right)

Both Deepak and Sukhvinder come from the families where their culture and traditions are still the same as in the old times and their sense of living is very deep rooted in the communities. Knowing about the project, Deepak’s father offered his 10 acres of land near Sonipat, Haryana on lease to this project. By 2012 they started the dairy farming business with the inputs of dairy management and advanced techniques of Earl.

That’s not all, working responsibly towards community development, they (Pankaj, Deepak, Sukhvinder & Earl) have leased 40 acres land to five local farmers in the area to grow fodder, they supply seeds, fertilizer, and other resources. This group of five farmers is assured of their regular income and they don’t have to worry about the market price of the crop, which has enabled them to think futuristically about their family and invest in their children’s education and other things.

When it comes to the cattle health, then fodder is the most important thing to work upon and that’s why they have instructed the farmers already to use any kind of pesticide almost 21 days before the harvesting of the fodder. Pankaj and team have spent a lot of time and energy on the better dairy management practices and that’s why they have no water logging or puddle kind of situation in the cattle’s stable. Moreover, paying much attention to the shed they have kept a soil flooring rather than concreting the whole floor, as hard floor affects the milk yielding capacity of the cattle and most of the dairy farmers are still not aware of this.

Pankaj also shared a very interesting information about dairy farming: He told that in his dairy farm the cow lameness point is only 1%, while in comparison to other dairies cow lameness is up to 12-13%.

This is a very unique fact that Pankaj shared because it is sad to know when the cow is lame then she doesn’t turn towards its feed regularly which ultimately affects the milk production.

Well, currently they have more than 1000 cows at Binsar Farm, from which they are supplying farm-to-table milk to more than 600 families in Delhi and NCR region.

Later they planned to start donating the cows to the local farming families, share their expert dairy management knowledge with them and eventually buy back the milk from them. This will help the farmer to earn a stable income and make a positive change in their lifestyle with the time.

Currently, Binsar Farm is working with 12 other dairy farm owners in Haryana and Punjab region, and collaboratively they are producing products like yogurt, cottage cheese, clarified butter etc.

The trio with their united efforts tried to create a governing framework through which they can not only help in the development of the society but can also share their advance agriculture practices with the farmer society. The idea of Binsar Farm project came during the hilly trek in the mind of Pankaj, Deepak, and Sukhvinder and after that, it completely changed the life of many farming families.

Pankaj and team believe that in the coming time money will no longer is going to be the driving force for the next generation; passion to accomplish their dreams is what will motivate the younger generation to realize their virtue and make it come true.

Ravi Sharma

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Tailor Turned Beekeeper Creating a Medicinal Powerhouse by Expanding Apiculture

Apiculture is rising industry which is not only attracting the people of agrarian society but also people from other different communities because of the future gain. One such a person who is creating a medicinal powerhouse in his village by expanding apiculture is Ravi Sharma.

Starting from 1978, till 1992, Ravi Sharma used to tailor the clothes and also guide 10 other men under him, in the same profession in his small village Gudana of district Mohali. His tailoring business was going well in a small village shop until he visited Rajpura, Patiala and met Dr. Walia (Agri Inspector).

For Ravi Sharma, Dr. Walia acted as a pathfinder towards beekeeping; he was the one who inspired Ravi Sharma towards beekeeping and helped him in adopting it smoothly.

In the beginning, Mr. Sharma got 50% subsidy and himself he invested Rs. 5700 on 5 honeybee boxes, from which he obtained 1 ½ quintal honey and earned good profit. First earning encouraged Ravi Sharma to expand his work to 100 honeybee boxes and this is how he switched to beekeeping and dropped the profession of tailoring completely in 1994.

Visit to Rewari, Haryana in 1997 in an agricultural event, boosted up Mr. Sharma’s fascination towards beekeeping and then he decided to increase the number of honeybee boxes. Now, the bee boxes number varies from 350-400 in his farm.

In 2000, Mr. Ravi also gave a try to dairy farming with 15 cows, but it was not as successful as beekeeping. Due to labour problem, he has to end it. Now he has only 4 HF breed cows and one Murrah buffalo for home purpose and sometimes he also sells their milk in the market. In the meanwhile, beekeeping work was going smooth.

But the journey towards successful beekeeping was not that velvety. In 2007-08, a mite attacked was encountered in his beehives colonies due to which only 35 honeybee boxes were left unaffected and the rest were destroyed. This incident completely shattered the beekeeping business of Ravi Sharma.

But this fall made Mr. Ravi stronger and he rose more powerfully and established his honeybee farm successfully within a short span of time. After seeing his success many other people consulted him to start their own beekeeping business. He started distributing 20-30 honeybee boxes to his relatives and friends also and in this way he created a medicinal powerhouse.

“Once there also came a time when honeybee boxes count reached up-to 4000, and all those people who owned it, started beekeeping after seeing my success in beekeeping venture.”

Today, Ravi Madhu Makhi Farm has two workers for managing the bee farm work. Marketing is also smooth, as Ravi Sharma has a tie-up with a person who buys all the honey from him, and sometimes Ravi Sharma also sells 4-5 quintal of honey on the roadside shop near Anandpur Sahib from where he earns well.

Beekeeping is the only source of income for Ravi Sharma through which he is supporting his family of 6 members, which includes wife, mother, two daughters, and a son.

“My wife- Mrs. Gyan Devi, was the main supporting pillar in my beginning beekeeping years. Without her, I would not have reached this level in my life.”

Currently, honey and bee wax are the two main product of Ravi Madhumakhi Farm.

Future Plan:
Till now I have expanded the beekeeping work in my village and few relatives only, but in future, I want to expand beekeeping to a much larger area.

Message:
“A person should do his work with complete dedication and include these three words in his efforts “Imaandaari (Honesty), Gyan (Knowledge), Dhyan (Care)” then only he can achieve what he wants.”

Because of Mr. Ravi’s effort today Gudana village has become a powerhouse for honey production and he will keep his work in progress to make beekeeping more impactful business in the future also.