Gurpreet Singh Shergill, a resident of Majhal Khurd village in Patiala district of Punjab, is a reputed name in the field of innovation and food processing in Indian agriculture. Born in 1971, Gurpreet started his career in horticulture in 1996. Today, he is not only a successful farmer but has also created a new identity in food processing through the brand “Shergill Farm Fresh”. His story inspires farmers to become self-reliant and make maximum profit from their produce.
Food Processing Journey: From Gulab to Gulab Sharbat
Gurpreet started horticulture in 1996 with only 1 acre of land. Gradually he expanded it to 15 acres. In 2013, when excessive production and low demand of roses led to huge financial losses, he decided to value add his produce. To overcome this crisis, they started making “Gulab Sharbat” from rose flowers.
Gurpreet explains,
“We realized that most of the sherbets available in the market are made with artificial flavors and colors. Our aim was to create a product that is completely natural and healthy.”
Features of Gulab Sharbat:
1. The sherbet is prepared from fresh rose petals.
2. No artificial colors, flavors, and added sugar are used in it.
3. The natural cooling properties of the sherbet make it ideal for summers.
Gurpreet and his brother promoted their Gulab Sharbat in Kisan Melas. People liked the product as it was not only tasty but also beneficial for health.
Launch of “Shergill Farm Fresh” brand
After the success of Gulab Sharbat, Gurpreet launched the “Shergill Farm Fresh” brand. Under this brand, they also introduced other products like aloe vera juice, amla juice and rose water. The specialty of their products is that they are completely natural and are made keeping in mind the health needs of the consumers.
Gurpreet says,
“Farmers should not limit themselves to only cultivating crops. They should also venture into processing, branding and marketing so that they can increase their income.”
Success in the market and increase in income
Gurpreet has an annual income range of Rs 21-30 lakh. According to him, food processing has provided stability to his income.
He explains,
“Earlier we used to grow only roses and depended on its sale. But now, through processing, we are earning 3-4 times more profit from our produce.”
Their product is sold in both local and national markets. Their marketing strategies and product quality have made them popular among consumers.
Support from government schemes
Gurpreet also availed government schemes in food processing and horticulture.
1. National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Under this, he received subsidy for cold room, polyhouse and food processing unit.
2. Vermi Compost Unit: To promote the use of organic manure, he also received government assistance on vermicompost unit.
“By using government schemes properly, farmers can make the most of their resources,” he says.
Awards and recognitions
Gurpreet’s innovation and hard work have been appreciated at the national and state level. He has received several prestigious awards, including:
1. N G Ranga Kisan Rashtriya Puraskar (2015): For outstanding contribution to agriculture.
2. Jagjivan Ram Innovative Kisan Zonal Award (2012): For agricultural innovations.
3. IARI Fellow Farmer Award: By Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
4. Chief Minister Award, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU): For excellent agricultural practices.
Gurpreet is also on the advisory panel of national and state level agricultural organizations. He has also made significant contributions to agricultural research and policy making.
Inspiration for local farmers
Gurpreet believes that Indian farmers should move beyond traditional farming and adopt new technologies and processing methods. He regularly trains local farmers and makes them aware of the benefits of food processing.
“Many farmers in our village have now started cultivating roses and are learning ways to add value to their produce.”
Future plans
Gurpreet plans to take the “Shergill Farm Fresh” brand to international markets. They are working towards increasing production capacity and adopting new technologies in view of the demand for their products.
“Our aim is not only to provide healthy products to Indian consumers but also to make Indian agriculture known globally,” he says.
Conclusion
The story of Gurpreet Singh Shergill shows how a farmer, with the right approach and hard work, can bring about a change not just for himself but for the entire society. His innovation and processing techniques have opened doors to new possibilities for Indian farmers.
The message of his success is clear:
“Farmers should venture into processing, branding and marketing to make the most of their crops. This will not only increase their income but also make them self-reliant.”
Gurpreet’s story is an inspiration for every farmer who wants to make a mark in the field of agriculture through their hard work and innovation.
Contact details: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to [email protected] or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.