Punjab Farmers Shift from Crops to Dairy
A growing number of farmers in Punjab are moving away from the traditional wheat–paddy cycle towards dairy farming, seeking better and more stable incomes. A notable example is Gurnam Singh from Gurdaspur, who transitioned after receiving training at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurdaspur in 2016 and formally entered dairy farming in 2017–18.
Today, he manages a herd of 26 animals, including Murrah buffaloes, heifers, and calves, producing around 1.2–1.3 quintals of milk daily. He sells milk directly to households at ₹50–55 per litre, ensuring better margins by bypassing intermediaries.
His journey highlights both the challenges and rewards of diversification, as he emphasizes resilience despite initial losses. The shift gains significance amid Punjab’s heavy dependence on the water-intensive wheat–paddy system, which occupies over 75% of cultivated land and has led to severe groundwater depletion.
Experts increasingly see dairy as a viable alternative, offering steady cash flow and reducing pressure on natural resources, while also aligning with the rising contribution of livestock to the state’s agricultural economy.
Source: Dairynews7x7 30th March, 2026 Read full story here
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