Chandigarh: Harmanpreet Singh is a marginal farmer of Punjab’s Taragarh Talawan village in Jandiala, owning 2.5 acres of land in the village. He went to Ethiopia in 2010 at the age of 23, hoping for a bright future. He leased land in the African nation and started the cultivation of cotton and some fruit plants. In search of better income, he set his feet in some East African countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. He acquired some land there for fruit cultivation.
He sent two avocado plants back to Punjab in 2013. His brother planted both the saplings in their kitchen garden. He returned to India in 2022 for his wedding, but first he was amazed to see the growth and fruits of both the plants. “One avocado plant bears more fruit than the one in Africa. It really changed his perception.
However, the Covid-19 lockdown proved a blessing in disguise for him. He started his concentration towards fruit farming in Punjab. He decided to put his every ounce of energy into the cultivation of avocado in the state. He took time and created a fruit nursery, using all the experience he got in Ethiopia. He succeeded in his mission.
Currently, he has been helping his fellow farmers to establish orchards in Punjab. Several farmers have been attached to him and are getting his expertise about horticulture. Therefore, numerous farmers have planted dragon fruits and apple orchards in their area.
