Karamjit Singh Archives - Progressive Farmers

Karamjit Singh: Revitalizing Jaggery Production and Inspiring Farmers in Babbanpur

In the quaint village of Babbanpur, nestled in the heart of North India, resides a progressive farmer named Karamjit Singh. Known to most farmers in the region, Karamjit has revolutionized the jaggery production and selling through his dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality. With a rich family legacy in sugarcane farming, Karamjit has taken his ancestral expertise to new heights, introducing a range of unique jaggery flavors and expanding his market beyond borders. Today, Karamjit not only aspires to excel in exports but also dreams of promoting authentic Punjabi cuisine. His success story serves as an inspiration and guiding light for fellow farmers.

Karamjit Singh’s jaggery production venture has proven to be a profitable endeavor, surpassing the returns from traditional crop sales in the mandis. To establish a standard set-up, an investment of approximately Rs 18 lakhs is required. With sheer determination and meticulous planning, Karamjit manages 25 to 30 acres of sugarcane production, dedicating the entire harvest towards his jaggery production. Instead of sending the crop to mills, he channels all the raw material into his own processing unit, ensuring full control over the quality and value-added products.

By focusing on jaggery production, Karamjit has witnessed a significant increase in profits compared to conventional crop sales. The value addition and demand for his jaggery and related products have resulted in a remarkable 40% boost in overall earnings. This entrepreneurial shift has not only elevated his economic status but has also set a shining example for other farmers in the region. Karamjit’s success story serves as a testament to the potential of diversification and value addition within the agricultural sector.

Karamjit’s decision to prioritize jaggery production and invest in the necessary infrastructure has paid off. Instead of relying on the uncertain returns from selling raw sugarcane in the mandis, he has tapped into the lucrative market for jaggery and its various flavors. This strategic move has not only ensured better financial stability but has also enabled Karamjit to establish a niche for himself in the industry.

Karamjit’s journey into the world of jaggery production began with his grandfather, who started sugarcane farming and garnered numerous accolades from the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (PAU). Inspired by his grandfather’s achievements, Karamjit’s father established a sugarcane-processing unit eleven years ago, laying the foundation for Karamjit’s future endeavors.

To enhance his knowledge and skills, Karamjit sought training from the KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) cooperation and received further guidance from the PAU. Harnessing his newfound expertise, he introduced fifteen unique flavors to his jaggery production. Initially, Karamjit faced resistance from his village community, but his relentless pursuit of quality and his ability to upgrade machinery gradually won them over. Today, the villagers not only appreciate his products but also take pride in his achievements.

With a focus on marketing, Karamjit embraced social media platforms and participated in Kisan Melas (Farmer Fairs), which proved instrumental in establishing his name in the industry. Through these events, he showcased the diverse range of flavors he offered, attracting customers from far and wide. His jaggery products even found their way into international markets, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.

Karamjit Singh’s exceptional achievements extend beyond jaggery production. His prowess in the agricultural domain has been recognized in various fields, including dairy farming. His dedication and expertise led to receiving prestigious awards in this realm, establishing him as a notable figure closely associated with the Punjab Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA). In 2019, Karamjit’s remarkable efforts were acknowledged when he secured the first award from the esteemed Punjab Agricultural University. Moreover, his excellence in farming practices earned him a place among the top five farmers honored at the Chief Minister Awards. His talent was further recognized with a prize from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal.

Karamjit’s pursuit of excellence did not stop at dairy farming alone. His passion for agriculture led him to diversify his endeavors. In addition to sugarcane farming, he cultivates corn and cotton on 25 acres of his land. With a keen eye for sustainability, Karamjit utilizes the byproducts of his sugarcane production as a valuable resource. The residues serve a dual purpose, being utilized as both a renewable fuel source and nutrient-rich organic manure. Furthermore, Karamjit has ventured into dairy farming, where he has earned numerous accolades year after year. At present, his livestock comprises five cows and five buffaloes, contributing to his thriving agricultural enterprise.

Karamjit encountered several challenges along the way. Maintaining the quality of his products required close supervision of labor, ensuring consistency and excellence. Additionally, marketing his products effectively on social media platforms demanded creative strategies and continuous engagement. However, with perseverance and determination, Karamjit overcame these obstacles, establishing a strong foothold in the market.

Karamjit’s success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his joint family. Their belief in his vision and dedication has fueled his journey. Moreover, Karamjit’s children have also shown immense interest in his work, paving the way for a promising future.

Looking ahead, Karamjit aims to focus on expanding his export business and promoting authentic Punjabi cuisine, including delicacies such as corn bread, mustard leaf curry, and buttermilk. He envisions his products reaching every corner of the globe, highlighting the rich flavors of his region. Furthermore, Karamjit continues to engage in D practices, cultivating corn and cotton on his additional land.

Message to farmers

Driven by a desire to uplift fellow farmers, Karamjit aspires to be a beacon of guidance for those seeking to venture into jaggery production. He encourages farmers to closely observe his operations, from setting up the infrastructure to marketing the final products. Karamjit believes that sharing knowledge and experiences is vital for the growth and prosperity of the agricultural community.

Meet the Modern Farmer, Who Is Growing According To the Need of the Hour

For Karamjit Singh, becoming a farmer was a distant dream, but the circumstantial conditions changed everything. In the last seven years, Karamjit Singh’s perception changed completely towards farming and now he has turned towards organic farming completely.

Like other young boys, Karamjit Singh was also a free soul who loved to play cricket all day long, he used to participate in the local cricket tournaments. His life was confined between school and playground. He never thought at that time that his life would take a whole new turn about which he had never thought about. During his academic years (school) in 2003, his father passed away and soon after some time, in 2005, his mother also passed away. After that only his grandparents were left in his family. At that time, situations were not under his control, so he decided to drop his studies after 12th and support his family.

At a very young age he got married and he also had the opportunity to go abroad and start his life from a new beginning again, but he chose to stay back with his grandparents. 2011 was the year when he decided to step in the field of farming. He started cultivating cereals, pulses, grains, and everything organically for home purpose in a small acreage. He got inspired by other farmers in his area and slowly expanded his farming expanse. Time and experience built confidence and then Karamjit Singh took his land back from lease.

He added more vegetable varieties like Squash Melon, Cauliflower, Okra, Peas, Chilli, Sweet Corn, Bottle Gourd, and Brinjal in his farmland and also started preparing nursery of chili, tomato, capsicum, and other vegetables.

The exposure that Karamjit got from farming, boosted up his confidence and in 2016 he decided to take 14 acres land on lease; and this is how Karamjit started making a happy life out of his living.

Today, in the life of Karamjit, he is still a newbie in the field of farming who has the curiosity to explore more and do more. With the same spirit, he entered in the field of floriculture, in 2017 and started cultivating Marigold by inter-cropping it with Gladiolus.

There also came a man- Ashok Kumar in the life of Karamjit Singh, who enlightened him with the knowledge of friendly pest and enemy pest, and this is how Karamjit Singh boycotted the use of insecticides in his field completely. Karamjit Singh took every chance as an opportunity to learn something new about farming and this is how he stepped towards his successes.

Currently, the whole farm of Karamjit Singh is equipped with drip irrigation system and pack-house for vegetables. He gives every nutrient to the vegetables in the most natural way possible. For marketing, he is following farm to the home concept in which he is doing home delivery of fresh insecticides free vegetables and he has also established an on-farm-market through which he is earning well.

For his initiative of cultivating fresh insecticides free vegetables he has been awarded by PAU, Kisan Club on 1st February, and he was also awarded second prize for best quality peas by Patiala Horticulture Department in 2014.

Karamjit Singh’s wife – Premdeep Kaur is his supporting pillar, she helps him in labour and harvesting process, and he manages the marketing part. In the beginning, there were some problems in marketing, but slowly he overcame all the hurdles with his hard work and enthusiasm. In place of chemicals and fertilizer, they prepare organic compost and spray at home. Recently, Karamjit Singh has planted 200 fruit trees of Kinnow, Pomegranate, Guava, Apple, Loquat, Lemon, Java Plum, Pear and Mango in his farm and in future he wants to focus on guava orchards.

Message:

“Committing suicide is not the solution. Farmers have to come out of the conventional cycle of farming, only then they can achieve success in long run. Moreover, farmers have to understand the importance of our Mother Nature and they should work towards saving water and soil.”

Currently, at the age of 28, Karamjit Singh has established his own organic business in his village Kansuha Kalan in Nabha Tehsil of Patiala District, and the spirit with which he is succeeding towards organic farming indicates a better future for his family and his surroundings. Karamjit Singh is a progressive farmer who has the capability to set an example for those aimless youth who are confused with their career choices… we need more farmers like him.