I am Gurdial Singh from Village Sallopur in District Gurdaspur of Punjab. In my family, we are total nine members. After passing matriculation, I wanted to get a government job but when I failed in my attempts I decided to join my father in farming. However, I was not satisfied with conventional farming as the income was very low. In 2004, I experimented with turmeric cultivation with the guidance of Horticulture Department in a small area and started processing turmeric into turmeric powder as well.
I had initially started turmeric processing into powder manually but it was a very laborious process. I was advised by Horticulture Department to install mechanized processing unit. Besides setting up the mechanized processing plant, I also invested in other modern farming implements such as tractor, trolley, leveler, tiller etc. Using latest techniques I increased the production of raw turmeric from 60 Quintals to 110 Quintals and now yearly turmeric production is between 1500 to 2000 quintals.
In 2007 I established my own turmeric processing plant and named it Green Gold Haldi Processing Plant and Haldi Green Gold Spice is the product of this plant. I formed a turmeric group and named it “Green Gold Group”. My family has played a very big role in all the activities related to the processing of turmeric, such as washing, boiling, polishing, and packaging. For the promotion of value addition and self-employment, Horticulture Department gave 25% subsidy on “Green Gold Processing Unit” as per NHM guidelines. My product is AGMARK certified. I also receive support from NABARD, by getting information and stalls space in different events, exhibitions, and Kisan Mela under Farmer Producers Organization.
Other than turmeric farming and processing, I also do beekeeping. I started beekeeping in 2000 with 5 boxes and with the time and investment today I have 100 boxes. I also make honey under the same Green Gold Spice brand name. I also cultivate wheat, paddy, eggplant, ladyfinger, and lentil (green mung beans) in a natural way, for home use without using any chemical or fertilizer.
I have 15 acres of land
1500 – 2000 Quintal Haldi (Turmeric).
Haldi (Turmeric), Wheat, Rice and Pulses
Haldi Processing Plant, One Tractor, Trolley, Tiller, Leveler, Potato Digger, Harrow, Generator Set and 100 Boxes of Beekeeping.
Besides this, I have been actively participating in various exhibitions and events showcasing my products and have been honoured many times at these events and exhibitions.
My message to farmers is that we should move from conventional methods of farming to non-conventional ones. In order to achieve success, farmers need to diversify. You don’t need to be a big landlord to earn good income from farming with diversification and modern farming even small farmers can achieve success and earn handsome incomes. Food processing is the need of the hour and farming experts of PAU, Ludhiana is always there to guide the farmers. They also hold training camps to teach modern farming techniques. Even NABARD is of great help to the farmers.
