Meet Kulwinder Kaur: Patiala’s Dairy Dynamo Transforming Entrepreneurship!
In the heart of Punjab, a land known for its rich agricultural heritage, women have traditionally taken a backseat, often relegated to household duties while the men toil in the fields. But meet Kulwinder Kaur Ghumaan, a trailblazer from the quaint village of Kath Mathi in Patiala district. In her 40s, Kulwinder has shattered societal norms, stepping into the limelight as a formidable woman farmer and the backbone of her family’s agricultural operations. With sheer determination and a sprinkle of innovation, she’s not just transforming her family’s monthly income—she’s rewriting the narrative that women can be powerful economic contributors in agriculture.
Kulwinder champions the idea that every woman should partner with her husband in farming—after all, two heads are better than one! This collaboration is the secret sauce to making agriculture not just a livelihood, but a thriving business.
Owning 11 acres of cherished ancestral land, Kulwinder has taken charge of their farming enterprise, especially since her husband, Hardeep Singh Ghumaan, a pharmacist for the Punjab government, struggles to find time for farming. With courage and vision, she dove into the world of dairy farming, complementing their primary agricultural activities.
Once limited to just a handful of cattle, Kulwinder has skillfully transformed their dairy operation into a robust business. Today, her family proudly supplies 60 to 70 quintals of fresh milk each month, generating an impressive income of between Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. With no debts to their name, they enjoy a comfortable life. “We are expanding our cattle herd and even planning to produce our own milk products in the near future,” she shares excitedly.
Currently, Kulwinder manages a dairy herd of 30 cows, including 17 milking cows, while the rest are either expecting or young. She even sells female calves, adding to the family’s income. “I oversee every aspect of the dairy operation and ensure we grow all necessary fodder on our own land,” Kulwinder explains. “We also create silage to feed our cows year-round, so we never have to rely on outside sources for feed.”
“Our farm spans 11 acres, where we cultivate a blend of traditional staples and cash crops. We dedicate 7-8 acres to essential grains like wheat, paddy, and basmati rice, while the remaining land thrives with lucrative cash crops such as onion, garlic, vegetables, turmeric, and fennel,” Kulwinder explains. “Agriculture may take time to yield profits, but the dairy business provides us with daily income, which is a huge financial boost.”
But Kulwinder’s contributions extend far beyond dairy. She is hands-on in the fields, too.
“I’m actively involved in all farming activities, a role that many women in our region shy away from. While my husband and brother-in-law manage the marketing of milk and cash crops, I oversee the farming operations, including harvesting when needed. I ensure that our day-to-day farming runs like a well-oiled machine,” she asserts.
Kulwinder attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family.
“My family has stood firmly beside me as I dove into this full-fledged dairy venture, and together, we’ve seen our family income double,” she beams.
Before embarking on her dairy farming journey, Kulwinder was engaged in sewing and teaching young women the art of stitching and tie-dyeing. However, her passion gradually shifted to farming. Eleven years ago, she sought formal training in dairy farming at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Patiala, and she hasn’t looked back since, watching her family’s dairy enterprise flourish.
Kulwinder effectively utilizes her land not just for fodder, but also for other crops that benefit her dairy business.
“We cultivate various profitable crops that complement each other, with everything from onions and garlic to a variety of vegetables contributing to our success,” she shares.
Through relentless dedication, Kulwinder has propelled her family toward financial independence and prosperity, expertly balancing dairy farming with crop cultivation. Her inspiring journey showcases how women in rural farming communities can break barriers and uplift their families. Her remarkable efforts earned her the prestigious ‘Sardarni Jagbir Kaur Grewal Memorial Award’ for being a progressive entrepreneur from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana,” states Dr. Hardeep Singh Sabikhi, Deputy Director (Training) at KVK, Patiala, highlighting her achievements in milk production, phulkari embroidery, and tie-dyeing as crucial to her family’s economic growth.
“If women from farming families step into the fields, they can drive tremendous contributions through diverse subsidiary occupations and cash crop cultivation, enhancing family incomes and paving the way for debt-free lives for Punjab’s farmers,” Kulwinder passionately advocates.
