Written by Anju Agnihotri Chaba

Krishan, along with his younger brothers, Gopal and Stapal, manages 50 acres —22 acres of joint family land and 28 acres on rent in Bhullan village in Sangrur. 

In a remote village along the Punjab-Haryana border, farmer Bal Krishan (48) and his two brothers have become a shining example of agricultural diversification. Bal Krishan believes that farming is not a “Ghate da Sauda” (lost venture), and his practices are proving just that.

By shifting from traditional paddy cultivation to Basmati, Bal Krishan has not only transformed his own farm but also inspired others in the region.

Krishan, along with his younger brothers, Gopal and Stapal, manages 50 acres —22 acres of joint family land and 28 acres on rent in Bhullan village in Sangrur. He has completely replaced paddy with Basmati cultivation, diversifying into 7-8 varieties of Basmati. Additionally, he grows and sells Basmati nursery for around 1,000 acres, which takes just 25 days during the Kharif season.

“I used to grow paddy on all my land, but in 2012-13, I started cultivating Basmati on just 1 acre. Gradually, I transitioned completely, and today, 46 out 50 acres are under Basmati and remaining 4-acre are under other Kharif crops but not paddy,” Bal Krishan explained.

His farm now grows 7-8 short-duration Basmati varieties, including 1509 (90 days), 1847 (99 days), and PB07 (101 days), all of which yield between 26 to 30 quintals per acre. The price of Basmati ranges between Rs. 3,000 to 4,000 per quintal, with premium varieties fetching up to Rs. 5,000, significantly higher than the MSP of Rs. 2,300 for paddy this year.

Apart from Basmati, Bal Krishan practices diversification by using 2 acres to grow green fodder for his 18 buffaloes, 1 acre for Bajra, and another acre for fruits, vegetables, and turmeric. He transplants Basmati by the end of July, avoiding the paddy, which is sown in June month and in several parts early June despite government-banned early transplanting of paddy, thus saving water for nearly 50 days.

Before Basmati transplantation, Bal Krishan grows Basmati nursery for 1,000 acres on 10 acres of his land. From One acre area one can grow nursery for around 10 acres of land, said bal Krishan.

Selling this nursery at Rs 2,000 per acre earns him around Rs. 2-lakh per acres and after meeting expenses he easily earns around 50 % (One lakh from one acre) just 25 days and 10 lakh from 10 acres. This is his 25 days earning even after accounting for expenses like seeds, labor, and pesticides.

In addition, he prepares 15-20 quintals of Basmati seed of each varity, which he sells at more than double the market rate for regular Basmati crops. “I’ve just begun Basmati seed production business three years back and increasing it gradually. Currently dedicating one field to each variety for seed production. I’ll expand this work further,” he added.

From the 46 acres of Basmati land, Krishan can potentially sell crops worth Rs 35-40 lakh, with earnings ranging between Rs 25-30 lakh in less than four months, depending on market rates. The profit from selling seeds further enhances his income. In contrast, paddy would only generate Rs 18-20 lakh, along with significant water depletion from the same land, he said.

In the Rabi season, Bal Krishan grows wheat, mustard, onions, garlic, and fodder. During the spring season, he plants moong pulses and green manure, ensuring his fields are nutrient-rich. Additionally, he sells onion and garlic seeds, mustard oil, and desi ghee (clarified butter) from his 18 buffaloes. With around 2 quintals of ghee annually, he earns Rs. 1,200 per kilogram from this side venture.

“I’ve been earning well from my fields. Farming is not a loss-making venture, but one that demands dedication and constant supervision. A farmer must work in his fields, keep a close eye on the crops, stay updated, and maintain relationships with agricultural officers for proper guidance,” Bal Krishan explained.

“How can I be a poor farmer when my land provides me with something year-round? Only those who are stuck in the wheat-paddy cycle without diversification and hard work feel the pinch.” He added, “Take farming seriously, like any other business, explore innovations, and there is no shortage of income.”

Bal Krishan is a very hardworking farmer, always engaged in one task or another. He recently received ‘Sardar Dalip Singh Dhaliwal Memorial Award’ from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana for touching great heights in agriculture during a long span of 30 years. Bal Krishan has never set straw on blaze since 2013, rather grows wheat without burning straw.

Besides, he grows basmati, green fodder, bajra and jowar and involved in beekeeping, poultry farming etc. His model of farming highlights the importance of diversification and innovation. His approach demonstrates that farming can be highly profitable, even in challenging times,” said Dr. Mandeep Singh, Associate Director, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sangrur. He added that KVKs are always ready to provide training to farmers interested in diversifying into any field.

Published Date: September 22, 2024