Tag: Sustainable Farming

Gurpreet Singh

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Gurpreet Singh: Spearheading a Revolution in Sustainable Agriculture 

Within the sprawling district of Bathinda, Punjab, lies the largest village in the region – Mehraj. Here, in this tranquil setting, Gurpreet Singh embarked on a remarkable journey into the world of agriculture. Born into a family with a deep-rooted connection to the land, Gurpreet’s journey into farming was a natural progression. However, what sets him apart is his dedication to organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices. 

Gurpreet’s foray into farming commenced in 2009, when he decided to take up the mantle of his family’s agricultural legacy. His father had already been tilling the fertile Punjab soil for years, and it was under his guidance that Gurpreet nurtured his passion for farming. He cultivates a variety of crops on their 35-acre expanse, including Paddy, potatoes, mung beans, and mustard. 

The Organic Farming Challenge: Patience and Promise 

The turning point in Gurpreet’s agricultural journey came in 2017 when he made the pivotal decision to transition to organic farming. This marked the beginning of his quest to cultivate crops in harmony with nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides. While he admits that the transition was not without challenges, he firmly believes that organic farming is the way forward. Currently he does organic farming on 3 acres of his land. 

When discussing his shift to organic farming, Gurpreet emphasizes that while the initial years may not be as financially rewarding as conventional farming, the long-term benefits are immense. According to him, organic farming begins to yield significant profits by the fourth year. Despite the initial hardships, Gurpreet remains resolute in his commitment to take organic farming to a commercial level. 

One of the driving forces behind Gurpreet’s dedication to organic farming is the increasing awareness among consumers about the importance of healthy, pesticide-free produce. People are willing to pay a premium for organically grown crops, and this growing demand provides a promising market for farmers like Gurpreet. 

Gurpreet’s Ventures into Dairy 

His journey isn’t limited to just farming; he also delved into the dairy business, with a herd of 25 to 30 animals at one point. However, realizing that the profit margins in this sector were limited, he shifted his focus back to organic farming and other agricultural endeavors. Currently, he maintains 15 animals, including cows and buffaloes, to meet his household requirements. 

Championing Sustainability: Stopping Crop Residue Burning and Saving Water 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Gurpreet Singh’s farming practices is his commitment to environmental sustainability. He actively refrains from the burning of crop residue, a practice that has been a major contributor to air pollution and environmental degradation in Punjab. Additionally, he has been a pioneer in implementing the direct-seeded rice (DSR) method, which significantly reduces water consumption compared to traditional methods. 

Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR): A Water-Saving Innovation 

The conventional practice of flooding rice fields consumes vast amounts of water, contributing to the alarming drop in water levels in Punjab. Gurpreet’s adoption of the DSR method, where rice seeds are directly sown into the soil, has achieved an impressive 80% success rate. His dedication to water conservation has earned him recognition from both agricultural institutions and fellow farmers. 

Empowering Fellow Farmers: The Customer Affairs Center 

Gurpreet Singh’s commitment to sustainable agriculture extends beyond his own farm. He operates a customer affairs center where he offers advanced farming techniques and services to fellow farmers. Services like the lucky seeder, silage plant, and vacuum planter have not only proven profitable for him but have also empowered other farmers to adopt more sustainable practices. He also provides knowledge on sustainable yet profitable practices within 25 to 30 Km of his village free of cost to the fellow farmers.   

Guided by Agricultural Institutions and Community Support 

His journey has been supported and guided by institutions like Punjab Agricultural University and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bathinda. Gurpreet is also an active participant in various farmer groups that promote knowledge sharing and mutual support. He is a member of a group spanning across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, where farmers assist one another in overcoming challenges. 

Recognitions and Accolades: Celebrating Excellence 

Gurpreet’s innovative approaches in agriculture have garnered widespread recognition. He stands adorned with numerous accolades, including prestigious awards from esteemed institutions such as Punjab Agricultural University, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bathinda, and the Khetibadi Vibhag. Notably, his exceptional contributions were celebrated on both the national and international stages, as he received honors from ICAR in Hyderabad in December 2022 and April 2021. His accomplishments extend beyond awards; he was notably conferred with the ‘Best Farmer’ Award during the International Conference ICSCI 2022, a testament to his exceptional dedication. 

Furthermore, Gurpreet Singh’s pioneering efforts in crop residue management, including his steadfast commitment to eschew burning practices, have earned him widespread acclaim. His sustainable practices have attracted the attention of numerous news outlets, further highlighting the remarkable impact he has made in the realm of agriculture. 

Agricultural Entrepreneurship: Selling Quality Products 

Gurpreet sells his farm products to Punjab Agro, and his high-quality wheat commands double rates from local customers who appreciate the superior quality. Moreover, he supplies aromatic Basmati rice to neighboring Haryana, reflecting his commitment to quality and sustainability. 

Words of Wisdom: Starting Small and Scaling Up 

Gurpreet Singh has a valuable piece of advice for aspiring farmers. He suggests starting small when adopting new farming techniques. Experiment on a smaller portion of your land first, and if it proves successful, expand it to the entire farm. This approach not only saves time but also minimizes risk and costs. 

 Gurpreet’s Vision: Taking Organic Farming to New Heights 

As he looks to the future, Gurpreet Singh envisions taking natural organic farming to new heights. He is passionate about educating fellow farmers about the importance of abandoning crop burning practices and implementing innovative methods to combat the depletion of water resources in Punjab. 

Conclusion

In the heart of Punjab, Gurpreet Singh’s journey from conventional farming to a champion of organic, eco-friendly methods serve as an inspiration for farmers across the region and beyond. With his dedication and vision, Gurpreet Singh is not only securing a prosperous future for his farm but also contributing to the preservation of Punjab’s precious natural resources. 

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.

Sirbeerinder Singh Sidhu

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Punjab – Malwa Region Based Farmer Paired Agriculture With Mechanized Technology, Have You Tried It…

Sirbeerinder Singh Sidhu, 44, keeping in mind about the Mother Nature, implements the best Eco-friendly farming practices through which time and money, both can be saved. And this thought of working in harmony with nature comes in his mind while he was far away in a foreign land.
Farming, as we know, is an age-old practice, which was followed by our ancestors and their ancestors… to cultivate food and sustain life. But, with the revolution and change in demands, today, agriculture has come a long way creating a vast history behind. Yes, there are some negative impacts of modern agriculture practices, but now not only the farming community but a lot of individuals from the city are also taking initiative towards sustainable agriculture practices.

Sirbeerinder Singh Sidhu is also one of those individuals who realized while living in abroad that he has done nothing for the land which provided him everything since his childhood. Although he was very successful living in abroad, learning about new farming technology, machinery and serving the community, he felt very despondent. And that was when he decided to take a long respite from his life in abroad and came back to his motherland, Punjab (India).

“After completing my graduation from Punjab University, I went to Canada to pursue higher studies and later on I got settled there. But after 5-6 years I felt a strong urge from the bottom of my heart that I need to go back to where I belong.”

Already aware of the foreign agriculture practices, Sirbeerinder Singh Sidhu decided to mechanize his own way of farming and then he paired commercial farming and agriculture technology together. Moreover, he decided to start Kinnow farming rather than wheat and paddy.

“Wheat and paddy are the conventional crops of Punjab which needs only 4-5 months of labour in the field. Instead of getting stuck in the cycle of wheat and paddy, farmers should focus on horticulture crops and other agri-allied activities which can be done around the year.”

Mr. Singh designed a machine which can be taken in the orchards by attaching it with a tractor and that machine can grade the Kinnows in 6 different sizes. The machine has inbuilt 9 cleaning brushes and 4 drying brushes; mechanization of the machine up to this level has reduced the cost of labour to almost zero.

“Machine designed by me can grades around 1-1 ½ tons of Kinnow in an hour and the running cost of this machine is 10-litre diesel per day.”

According to Mr. Singh – Earlier, the main obstacle faced was during the marketing of Kinnow, labour cost of harvesting Kinnows from the orchard and then taking care of it was very time and labour consuming and also was not economical. Since the grading machine is developed by Mr. Singh, half of the problem of harvesting and grading is already solved.
This mechanized way of grading Kinnows in six different sizes has created a valuable place for Mr. Singh’s harvest in the market, as it gets more pre-eminence and better return on investment. Using this mechanized way for grading the Kinnows is a valuable addition to the “Sidhu Model Farm”, and from the last 2 years, fruits produced by Mr. Singh is achieving first and second prizes at the State Level in Citrus Shows.

This is not the only approach that Mr. Singh is following; drip irrigation, crop waste management, green manuring, bio-gas plant, vermicomposting, organic production of vegetables, cereals, fruits, and wheat, are other means through which he is trying reduce the harmful footprints of conventional farming practices on his behalf.

Sirbeerinder Singh Sidhu’s contribution in the agriculture field has bagged him many awards and honour at state and national level, out of which these two are the main:

• Won State Level Citrus Show at Abohar, Punjab
• Received award form PUSA Delhi for Innovative Farming
Along with farming, Mr. Singh is also master of other animal husbandry and agri-allied activities, just because of his hobby. He rears dairy animals, poultry birds, kennel dogs, goats, and Marwari horses. He has also maintained a fish pond in half acre and forestry which includes 7000 Eucalyptus trees and 25 Bush Bamboos.
With his 12 years of experience in the agriculture field, Mr. Singh has focused his attention on some important matters and want to give the message to the society through these issues, which are the major concerns in Punjab ….

Subsidy and agriculture schemes:
Farmer assumes that Government is helping us by giving subsidy and making different agricultural schemes, but this is not true; this is a way of making farmers handicapped and grabbing their land. Farmers have to understand their good and bad themselves because agriculture is such a wide field that if it is done properly with determination then it can make anyone rich.

Mind Set of Young Generation:
Nowadays, the young generation is all set to go abroad or get settled in the city, they don’t care what kind of work they have to do in there; for them farming is a dirty job. What’s the sake of investing in the education and employment, if ultimately it will result in brain drain! Youth is unaware of the fact that agriculture is such a prosperous and diverse field that it can provide more advantages, profit, and happiness than the life in abroad.

Marketing in agriculture field:
Today, the farmer also has to become the seller by eliminating the middlemen and this is the only way by which farmer can clinch their forgotten position from the society. Farmer has to adopt modern eco-friendly practices which will lead them towards sustainable agriculture results.

Everyone should remember that-
” once in your life you need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman and a preacher but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.”