Beharwal: Jasbir Singh Gill, a farmer from Beharwal village near Attari, has given a new shape to horticulture through diversification of his farm. He started cultivation of the horticulture crops on his eight acres of land, leaving traditional farming behind. Currently, he has been growing pears and guavas. Besides this, doing every work, such as plucking the fruits, packaging, and then marketing.
Gill sells his pear crop in Kolkata, getting better prices. It seems he has dedicated his entire life to the growth of horticulture, attracting experts from the USA and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) scientists alike. Experts went to see his farm and praised his efforts.
Gill said that ‘fruit plants need less water and give better profits. Many farmers plant orchards but lease them to contractors. If they sell the fruits directly, they can eliminate middlemen and earn more.”
Gill and his brother have 16 acres of land. More than a decade ago, one of his relatives encouraged them to grow guavas and plant fruits for cultivation. Both brothers started guava cultivation from their two acres of land. Good profits inspired them to plant pear saplings. Currently, they are managing the entire process themselves.
Gill further added that ‘handling plucking, packaging, and marketing on our own has proven to be more beneficial.’
The success story of Gill has made him a role model for the other farmers of the region, looking to shift from traditional farming to more lucrative horticulture crops.
