Farmers in Punjab, Haryana reap benefits of diversification with floriculture, pearl farming

Farmers in Punjab, Haryana reap benefits of diversification with floriculture, pearl farming

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana are experiencing the benefits of branching out into new agricultural ventures, such as floriculture and pearl farming.

Gurvinder Singh Sohi, a farmer from Nanowal village in Punjab, shifted from traditional wheat and paddy farming to cultivating foreign flower varieties and seed production after learning about a government initiative in 2008. His journey began with a subsidy for gladiolus bulbs and expanded as he gained technical knowledge and market insights from foreign experts and visits to Holland. Embracing online sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gurvinder became a pioneer in direct seed exports from Punjab. His success highlights the potential for lucrative diversification in agriculture.

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Similarly, in Haryana’s Buhawi village, Salinder Kumar and Rajesh Goswami left their textile jobs to explore pearl farming, inspired by internet research and training at the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture. With a modest investment, they achieved impressive returns by employing innovative aquaculture methods. Beyond cultivating pearls, they have diversified their income by creating jewelry from their produce. Their initiative aligns with government schemes like Matsya Yojana, gaining recognition even from Prime Minister Modi. They now mentor others in their community, contributing to the expansion of alternative farming practices in the region.