Empowering Border Region Farmers through Hi-Tech Dairy Farming

Background / Situation

Harpreet Singh, a 41-year-old progressive dairy farmer from resource poor border belt of Punjab, represents a remarkable example of a successful hi-tech dairy entrepreneur. Belonging to a small farming family of village Sohal situated at Indo-Pak border with less than 2.5 hectares of land, he has set an inspiring example for young farmers. He started his dairy farming venture in 2008 along with his father and younger brother, beginning with just 10 Holstein Friesian (HF) cows. Now they maintains a herd of approximately 150 cattle, supported by well-developed infrastructure comprising 20,000 square feet of covered area and an additional 12,000 square feet of open space. The farm achieves an average daily milk production of around 1,800 litres, with seasonal variations—approximately 1,200 litres per day during summer and up to 2,400 litres per day during winter. To ensure year-round availability of quality fodder, the farm has four silage pits, each having a volume of 14,400 cubic feet, providing a combined storage capacity of about 1,200 tonnes for the preparation of high-quality silage

KVK
Intervention

He regularly participates in training programmes, demonstrations, and awareness camps organized by KVK, Tarn Taran, which have played a vital role in strengthening his technical skills and decision-making capacity. Initially, he faced difficulties in ensuring a regular supply of quality green fodder and silage for his expanding dairy herd.To address this challenge, KVK experts provided hands-on guidance on scientific silage production, enabling round-the-year availability of high-quality silage at a lower cost. This timely intervention
significantly reduced fodder expenditure and enhanced the milk production potential and health of the dairy animals.

Awards and Recognitions

·         Chief minister award in category of Cattle by Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Ludhiana in year 2024

·         Recognition certificate from NESTLE India Ltd. for supply of maximum milk during year 2022

·         Best Dairy farmer Award in 2019 at by Progressive Dairy Farmers Association, Ludhiana (Punjab)