Tag: Strawberry

Surinder Kumar

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Innovative Farmer Surinder Kumar: Pioneering Success in Relay Cropping and Strawberry Farming in Jhangola

In the heart of Dasuya district in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, a tale of agricultural innovation and resilience is unfolding. Sh. Surinder Kumar, born and raised in this agrarian landscape, has emerged as an inspirational figure for farmers across the region. His transition from a 20-year career in exhibition conference management in Delhi to becoming an innovative farmer in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic shows his determination and commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Surinder Kumar’s journey into agriculture wasn’t a predictable one. Driven by the economic uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, he returned to his roots, drawing on the farming experience instilled in him during his childhood. His parents, deeply rooted in agriculture, had imparted invaluable knowledge that would later become the foundation of his success.

In pursuit of a new venture, Surinder Kumar turned to a friend in the UK, a seasoned farmer with expertise in strawberry cultivation. Armed with this knowledge and complemented by his own extensive research, Surinder Kumar embarked on the ambitious journey of strawberry farming in India. The initial challenges were manifold, ranging from the unavailability of high-quality seedlings in India to the struggle of exporting seeds and seedlings from other countries.

The first year proved to be financially daunting, as he faced significant losses on his initial 3-acre venture, with expenses averaging 8 to 9 lakhs per acre. Undeterred, Surinder Kumar sought solutions and identified the need for superior strawberry varieties. This realization led him to import unique strawberry varieties with distinctive flavors from Italy, varieties that could thrive under Indian conditions. Fulfilling all government regulations for seed importation, he received guidance from PUSA on the proper procurement and cultivation of these imported plants.

As Surinder Kumar’s strawberry enterprise began to take root, he expanded his agricultural footprint by acquiring land in Himachal Pradesh. Currently, he manages an impressive 8-acre plot in Jhangola village in Delhi, with 4 acres dedicated to strawberry cultivation and the remaining 4 acres supporting a variety of vegetables, including capsicum, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, and wheat.

One of Surinder Kumar’s key strategies for maximizing profit margins is his adoption of relay cropping, a method where different crops are cultivated sequentially on the same piece of land within a single growing season. His relay cropping patterns, particularly between strawberry-watermelon and capsicum-watermelon, have proven to be highly lucrative, demonstrating the potential for diversification in farming practices.

In addition to innovative cropping patterns, Surinder Kumar places a strong emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices. He has implemented integrated pest management techniques to minimize the use of harmful pesticides, safeguarding both soil and crop health. Recognizing the importance of water management, he has developed a variety-specific fertigation regime, optimizing the use of water and fertilizers for enhanced crop growth.

Modern technology plays a pivotal role in Surinder Kumar’s farming approach. Real-time temperature and humidity monitoring through data loggers ensure optimal conditions for his crops, showcasing his commitment to leveraging technology for agricultural efficiency.

For the marketing and sale of his produce, Surinder Kumar has strategically partnered with supermarket giants Reliance Fresh and Big Basket, providing him with a fixed market and ensuring a steady income stream. This collaborative approach not only secures his financial stability but also contributes to the economic growth of Jhangola.

His message to the fellow farmers is seed selection and plantation at the right time is very important in strawberry farming. Also, he actively engages with and assists other farmers who wish to delve into strawberry farming, offering guidance on seed selection, cultivation practices, and post-harvest care.

In conclusion, Sh. Surinder Kumar’s agricultural story stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. His strategic adoption of relay cropping, importation of unique strawberry varieties, commitment to sustainable practices, and embrace of technology exemplify a holistic approach to farming. As an advocate for responsible and profitable agriculture, Surinder Kumar not only cultivates success for himself but also serves as an inspiration for the farming community at large.

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.

Ram Vilas

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The Blooming Terrace

As you can imagine, a beautiful garden is equivalent to a valley full of flowers. Can you imagine the same on a terrace? A terrace which showcases plants and flowers of a varied variety including hibiscus, jasmine, roses, orchids, sunflowers, dahlias, cacti, petunias, bougainvillea, chrysanthemums, dianthus, cineraria, and other types of blooming plants. You have to admit, it is a rather idealistic description.

Ram Vilas of Haryana facilitated the cultivation of tens of thousands of edible and decorative plants on his four-story terrace. Around four thousand buckets, containers, clay pots, cement barrels, and the like are neatly stacked on the green-matted terrace floor, which keeps things cool even when the sun is beating down.

A successful businessman by profession in the construction sector who built his passion for gardening into an inspiration for others. 25 years ago, when he started, it was just 8 pots which have grown to many hundred in numbers.

The humble beginnings

Mr. Ram Vilas spent a great deal of time and effort cultivating a beautiful terrace garden above his home, and he has been proudly displaying it to his guests via a video he filmed. When he finally chose to share them online, he found that they were instantly a hit on YouTube. Because of the positive response to his rooftop garden, he has been asked to make additional gardening-related films, especially instructional ones.

Therefore, the flowers he had planted began to spread to other gardens throughout the world. He started handing away his organic fertilisers in response to audience requests after they had failed to get the same results in their own gardens. As a result, a company was founded, and its product is today known as “Grace of God Organic.” In the year 2020, he established this label.

To this day, Ram Vilas ji may look across the world with pride knowing that he has assisted around twenty to thirty lakh individuals in reforesting the planet.

He really wants to help people through his platform to get quick results, practical solutions, and prompt replies, which are highly valued by individuals turning to the internet for home gardening advice.

Using his channel on YouTube, he teaches people about organic gardening and shows them how effective those methods can be.

He has been an inspiration to many amateur gardeners with his terrace garden, which has more than four thousand pots. He hopes to motivate and assist others through the presentation of his gardening methods’ successes.

He is able to cultivate a wide variety of edible plants. Rather than selling finished produce from his terrace garden, he offers consumers the chance to cultivate their own produce by purchasing plant seeds and young saplings.

Ram Vilas’s garden is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, including seeds and saplings for all kinds of summer and winter flowers; seeds and saplings for all kinds of summer and winter vegetables; buds for all kinds of summer and winter flowers; and small trees for nearly every imaginable fruit and vegetable.

Ram Vilas himself cultivates all of the seedlings using only natural fertilisers. Chemical fertilisers are something he really opposes.

Total square footage of the land: 13,500

Ram Vilas has a YouTube channel with over 3 million followers where he discusses gardening and other topics of interest to his audience. Over the course of the previous two years, he has taught online gardening lessons to well over a hundred pupils.

His favourite leisure of gardening has deepened his enthusiasm and interest. A passion, which did not grow through the internet, videos, or learning. In fact, a skill which sharpened by giving consistent efforts and dedicated time to see the prosperity of results. People from nearby states like Maharashtra, UP, and Uttrakhand have shown keen interest apart from England and France who have paid a visit to his garden and learned from the actions undertaken.

From an early age, he had a passion for gardening that has only grown stronger over time. In particular, flowers of all hues captivated him. After seeing a field of bright blooms, he longed for the day when he could bring home a seedling and nurture it into maturity. This was the original inspiration for his outdoor patio. Tree and plant populations gradually grew in his small garden. For the past few years, he has also introduced a large number of common fruit and vegetable plants.

These blossoms maintain a healthy garden aesthetic while also lowering the air pollution Level. Even though Karnal is a much-polluted city, this terrace garden maintains its natural beauty and purity throughout the whole year.

Cabbage, beets, beans, cauliflower, zucchini, tomato, white brinjal, lemon, mushroom, radish, chilli, snake gourd, and ash gourd are only a few of the crops cultivated by Ram Vilas. Spinach, coriander leaves, mint leaves, basil, ashwagandha (winter cherry), strawberry, guava, dragon fruit, papaya, peach, mango, banana, plum, and strawberry are just some of the leafy greens and fruits he cultivates on his terrace.

Ram Vilas claims to collect five different kinds of them every day.

He uses handmade compost and fertiliser to grow all of his plants organically. There will be a short-lived increase in agricultural yield due to the use of chemical fertilisers he believes.

Mr. Ram Vilas’s cultivation is vast, but he does not consider gardening as his source of income. He is very happy to share his harvest with his friends, family and his neighbors but monetary sales is a strict no for him. “Sometimes people ask for a certain plant sapling which is also given for free unless they are any rare plants,” he says.

He states, “All the saplings are collected from garden nurseries and experienced gardeners from Haryana. I also have a habit of bringing plants after trips and visits made to various parts of the world.”

Ram Vilas especially believes for the motto of gardening is happiness and self-satisfaction. What is equivalent to the pleasure of seeing a new flower in a sapling that you planted? This is the only reason why he manages a garden despite his busy schedule.

Mr. Ram Vilas plans to add many more varieties to his already existing vast collection in the coming years in the hopes of inspiring people to grow their plants, which will also help in improving the air quality index of the city. “Despite the degrading air quality, my family at home manages to breathe better air. Mr. Ram Vilas hopes that people realise the importance of having greenery around them and put together a small garden,” he concludes.

He states, “When it comes to home gardening, people prioritize getting results and receiving practical solutions and quick responses when seeking online help. This is where we strive to excel”.

VISION

Ram Vilas wants to continue helping billions of people in building their dream gardens and ultimately bringing back the greenery and cleanliness of nature to where it was.

His viewers have been his biggest supporters, and this motivates him to generate and create more content to educate people about terrace farming. Ram Vilas never forces anyone to buy his products; he aims to provide people with organic solutions for their gardens.

Message for farmers

Ram Vilas firmly believes chemicals, which are cheaper, are the convenient option to follow, and should be replaced with organic manure as they have overall benefits for the betterment of society and the environment.

Navjot Singh Shergill

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A young farmer from abroad made a name for himself in Punjab by cultivating strawberries- Navjot Singh Shergill

Every person certainly thinks about progress and distinction in their field. This mindset can lift a person from earth to the skies. The success of each farmer depends upon his passion for doing innovative things that deviated from traditional methods.

This story is about one such farmer who deviated from standard farming and chose his own way in agriculture, which very few people were aware of. The name of this young farmer is Navjot Singh Shergill. He lives in Majal Khurad village in Patiala. The practices adopted by Navjot inspired many other farmers.

I always dreamt of doing something different in farming so that people should know me by my innovative work and not by my name. Hence, I decided to work on something new- Navjot Singh Shergill

Navjot Singh was born and raised in the UK, but as he grew older, he started to feel a lack because he missed the fragrance of the soil of his homeland. Therefore, he returned to his village in Punjab, India. Navjot pursued his MBA and then decided to get into agriculture on a large scale. He started Emu farming, but he did not succeed as there is a very low demand for Emu in Indian markets. He was disappointed by this failure but did not lose hope. He was encouraged by his elder brother Gurpreet Singh Shergill, a farmer in Punjab and known as The King of Flowers. Gurpreet bought a revolution in the cultivation of flowers in Punjab and proved what others could not even think of.

Navjot Singh followed his brother’s suggestion and started gaining information about strawberry cultivation. He gained enough knowledge from social media and informative websites and then decided to start practising in the fields to have more practical knowledge.

I then went to Pune, Maharashtra, for acquiring more understanding of strawberry cultivation and visited various fields and met many farmers- Navjot Singh Shergill

There he obtained all the information about Strawberries like, the climate in which they flourish, making more plants from a single one, its primary plant and from where did strawberries come in India.

In India, the mother plant is imported from California, and then the following plants are made from this mother plant- Navjot Singh Shergill

After returning from Pune, he investigated the environmental conditions in Punjab for strawberry cultivation. He then brought 14-15 thousand plants from Pune and cultivated them in a half-acre land. The total cost summed to Rs 2-3 lakhs. He felt great but was also afraid to fail because of the market issues. However, when the fruits ripened, and Navjot took them to the market for sale, the demand for this fruit was sky-high. All his fears were converted into happiness.

I was very much delighted by the fact that all the people who stopped me from doing this business were now praising me; it was a moment of realization and pride as it took a lot of my money and time- Navjot Singh Shergill

After the continuous success of strawberry cultivation, Navjot realized that some of the fruits remained small while others were fully ripened, and therefore their prices were significantly lower in the market. He felt the urgent need to solve this problem.

There is a saying, “When a person falls and rises, he achieves success on higher levels.”

Then, he started processing the small fruits.

I acquired training from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Patiala in fruit processing and started making 2-3 items- Navjot Singh Shergill

The harvesting of strawberries required labour; hence, Navjot hired people from his village for harvesting, sorting and processing. By doing this, Navjot created employment opportunities for the people living in his village. Further, he installed machines for processing and therefore started making processed items in the field only. He named the brand Coco-Orchard.

He made the following items-

  • Strawberry Crush
  • Strawberry Jam
  • Strawberry Barfi

All the procedures from processing to packing are taken along under the supervision of Navjot. The Crush and Jam are packed in glass bottles, and when the products are exported to the other states, the bottles are packed in cardboard boxes. The trays of 2 kg cost at least 500-600 Rs and contain sections, each weighing 200-250 gm.

I then started visiting Kisan Mela’s and set up my own stalls there- Navjot Singh Shergill

The stalls gained Navjot a lot of marketing and recognition. People started to wait for his products in the upcoming Melas. He met a doctor from the agriculture field during the Mela; this is a very precious moment of his life. The doctor praised him because he is making processed items out of strawberries, while most people do not know anything about strawberry cultivation. Navjot has a Facebook page named Coco-Orchard, where he provides all the information about strawberry cultivation and markets his produce.

Navjot is now acknowledged enough by the people that he does not have to go to any market to promote his products.

FUTURE PLANS

He wants to grow his strawberry business to an extent where he can grow this delicious fruit in a 4-acre land. Navjot wants to export his produce to foreign countries like Dubai as there the demand for strawberries is higher.

MESSAGE

Farmers who wish to grow strawberries must acquire complete information regarding the same before they start cultivation. Strawberry cultivation requires a lot of money and time and cannot flourish without supervision.

Harnam Singh

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Story of a Man Who Chose To Stay in His Own Country and Do Something for His Motherland Instead Of Going Abroad

In Punjab, youngsters are besotted by foreign shores and migrating to abroad have become a status symbol and trend in the society. Despite having enough resources in their own motherland, today youngsters have foreign attraction and they prefer to go abroad and get settled there. For most of the people in Punjab, relocation to foreign countries has become a question of identity, even if they do not know what their goals are after going there. Yes earning money is easy in abroad, but not that easy.

With the same dream, a young man of Ludhiana, Mr. Harnam Singh was also planning to go Canada like his other friends, but in the middle, he dropped his idea. After the conversation with his friends, Harnam came to know that, life in abroad is not that easy, you have to work day and night, if you want to make money, moreover you have to stay away from your family. So after knowing their friend’s experience, he thought that, even after going abroad, if he has to face hardships in managing a simple living, then it’s better to live here with family and start doing something in his homeland only. He decided to continue his studies and also help his father in farming.

After that decision, he never looked back or let any second thought enter his mind. Today, Harnam Singh owns Namdhari Strawberry Farm which is stretched in 3.5 acres of land in his native place and is earning profits in lakhs. It all started in 2011 when his father went to PAU for the training of mushroom farming and while coming back he brought 6 seedlings of strawberry for the kitchen garden. And it is when the idea of the strawberry farming came in the mind of Harnam Singh. Gradually with the time 6 seedling became 20, 20 became 50, 50 became 100, 100 became 1000 and 1000 became lakhs. Today, they have around 1 lakh of strawberry plants in their farm. Moreover, to maintain the number of strawberry plants, he has also started cultivating strawberry seedlings in Shimla, by taking an area on rent. Mostly he avoids using chemicals and fertilizers in his farm and prefers natural way of farming. And for packing the strawberries he has packing machines and rest of the work is done by the workers (20-30), which he hires mostly in the season of strawberries. Their yearly production of strawberries is very huge, due to which Harnam has to sell some of the produce himself and the rest he sells to the shops or vegetable market of big cities.

In the meanwhile, Harnam never stopped studying and today he has a good list of academic degrees. He did Graduation in Arts, Diploma in Software Engineering, Diploma in Networking Engineering, and presently, he is pursuing Diploma in B.Sc Agriculture. He also helps the farmers by teaching and guiding them about the strawberry farming without charging them.

Currently, Harnam Singh is living in Ludhiana with his happy and small family (Father, Wife, One Daughter and One Son). His future plan is to expand the strawberry farm to a greater extent and make other farmers aware about the strawberry farming.

Message By Harnam Singh
“Harnam wants to convey the same message that he himself experienced in his life that if you have enough resources with you, then start utilizing it efficiently rather than searching it elsewhere. The youngsters of Punjab should start contributing to their motherland instead of going abroad because they can also earn good profit even by staying here.”