Gurpreet Singh started a dairy unit at Kahlwan village in Tarn Taran district nearly three decades ago. Today, his farm produces nearly 1,600 litres of milk every day and is an example of how science and perseverance can transform traditional farming into a modern enterprise. The milk is sold from Rs 42 to Rs 44 per litre.
Honoured with the Chief Minister Award in 2019, Gurpreet has become a role model for dairy farmers across the state, proving innovation and discipline can turn dairy farming into a sustainable and profitable pursuit.
“Three decades ago, I began my journey after completing short trainings in artificial insemination at Jalandhar and dairy farming at the Punjab Dairy Development Board, Tarn Taran. Today, my farm has 125 HF crossbreed cattle,” said Gurpreet.
His farm is a carefully designed ecosystem, with modern sheds, separate sections for pregnant animals, heifers and calves, and focus on hygiene and animal welfare.
He says he also grows fodder for the cattle, and procures the shortfall from his peers.
With guidance from experts at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tarn Taran, Gurpreet has adopted scientific feed and fodder management. He cultivates spring maize for silage on 30 acres and procures additional fodder from fellow farmers, ensuring year-round availability of nutritious feed.
His feed plant, Kahlwan Feed, supplies high-quality cattle feed to his farm and other farmers in the region.
A modern milk parlour and bulk chilling tank ensure hygienic storage of milk. With meticulous record-keeping of breed improvement, vaccination and production costs, Gurpreet has streamlined operations for efficiency and transparency.
Gurpreet also serves as president of the Progressive Dairy Farmers’ Association (PDFA), Tarn Taran.
Navjot Singh Brar from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Tarn Taran was all praise for Gurpreet.
His journey is a testament to the power of knowledge-driven agriculture. The blend of tradition and technology, and hard work and innovation has set a benchmark for dairy farming. He is a torchbearer for change, showing the dairy sector can thrive with vision and help from science, says Brar.
Veterinary university Vice-Chancellor JPS Gill termed the institute’s role in promoting scientific dairy farming across the state as “pivotal”.
“Through cutting-edge research, district-level outreach and tailored training programmes, the university empowers farmers to adopt modern practices. By honouring innovative dairy farmers with the Chief Minister’s Award at Pashu Palan Melas, the university motivates the farming community to embrace animal husbandry and allied activities on scientific lines,” Gill said.
