Farmer's interest in alternative farming heaps him profits worth lakhs

Pradeep Saini from Mani Singh Wala village stated that with the usual wheat-paddy crops, the groundwater is depleting and the profit margin is also low.

Faridkot: A farmer interested in alternative farming here has turned his hobby into a good business. Pradeep Saini from Mani Singh Wala village earns 25 K per week from strawberry cultivation. Today, he not only does well for himself but has also employed three other families on his farm. With no previous experience, he contacted a farmer of Moga, who cultivated strawberries. Saini discussed with him the prospects of strawberry farming and upon his encouragement, he bought seedlings of the foreign fruit from Pune. As a trial run, he planted those in five Kanals of his land.

Much to Saini's amusement, in the first year itself he has reaped profits to the tune of Rs 1 lakh per month. With the success of his experiment, he appeals to other farmers to also invest in alternative cropping. He stated that with the usual wheat-paddy crops, the groundwater is depleting and the profit margin is also low. With the harvest season extending till late March or early April, Saini is hopeful of establishing a marketing circle. For now, he himself takes his produce to Mandiya in his vehicle and sells them in retail.