Gurmeet Singh’s Success: Innovation in Protected Farming

Gurmeet Singh, from Kattianwali village in Muktsar district of Punjab, is a progressive farmer who has brought about a revolution in his field through protected farming. His agricultural land spread over 16-20 acres is not only suitable for traditional farming but has also been made productive and eco-friendly with modern techniques and equipment.

Model of Protected Farming

Gurmeet Singh has adopted the advanced model of protected farming in agriculture. His agricultural activities include:

Use of Solar Pump

Gurmeet has installed a 7.5 HP solar pump and a 5.0 HP submersible pump. This not only ensures the availability of water but also reduces the cost of electricity. He says:

“The solar pump has completely changed our irrigation process. Now we can water the fields at any time of the day or night, and the worry of electricity bill is over.”

Fish Farming

Gurmeet has built a 2-acre pond in his farm, where he farms malli, rohu, and katla fish.

“Fish farming gives us regular income throughout the year. It is a great supplement to farming,” he says. Fish farming has increased his income by about 20%.

Animal Husbandry

He has Desi Murrah buffalo, Ravi buffalo, and Sahiwal cows. These livestock not only help in milk production but are also useful for organic manure in the fields.

“The combination of animal husbandry and farming promotes organic farming. It helps maintain the fertility of our soil,” Gurmeet explains.

Crop Farming

He cultivates wheat, rice, moong, and kinnow. Along with traditional farming, he has also adopted modern techniques like bed cultivation, which has improved productivity.

Use of modern equipment

Gurmeet owns a collection of modern farming equipment, including:

• Savraj Tractor 855

Jagatjit Rotavator

Reversible Plough

• Disc Plough and Harrow

These equipment save time and cost in preparing the field soil, sowing the crop, and harvesting. Gurmeet explains:

“The right equipment makes farming easier and efficient. This has reduced our labour requirement and increased production.”

Economic benefits of protected farming

Gurmeet Singh has seen his annual income from protected farming reach Rs 11-20 lakh. He says:

“Protected farming has provided us with a regular and stable income source. It is not only beneficial for our family but is also an inspiration for other farmers.”

Income from fish farming

Through fish farming, Gurmeet earns an additional income of Rs 2-3 lakh annually.

Profits from livestock

Milk and organic manure production contribute to 10% of his income.

No government assistance, but an example of self-reliance

Gurmeet has not taken any financial assistance from government schemes. He says:

“We have set up everything with our own hard work and resources. However, I inform other farmers about government schemes and motivate them to avail the benefits.”

Awards and honours

Gurmeet Singh has received several awards for his contributions and innovations, such as:

• IARI Fellow Farmer Award

• IARI Innovative Farmer Award

These awards have not only recognised his work but have also served as an inspiration for farmers in his community.

Future plans

Gurmeet plans to:

1. Establish a processing unit: Set up a processing unit for products like kinnow and wheat.

2. Expansion of organic farming: To take organic products to the national and international market.

3. Training programs for farmers: Organizing workshops to teach the use of modern techniques and equipment.

Gurmeet Singh’s model of protected cultivation is not only economically beneficial, but it is also sustainable and environmentally friendly. His efforts prove that the right combination of modern technology and traditional knowledge can revolutionize agriculture. His story is an inspiration for every farmer who dreams of bringing self-reliance and progress in his area.