Vicky Gaba, a young farmer from Mamukheda village in Punjab’s Fazilka district, has steadily emerged as a noteworthy example of commitment to agriculture. At a time when many from his generation are leaving rural areas in search of urban employment, Vicky has chosen a different path—staying rooted in his village and making farming both his livelihood and long-term focus.
For the past eight years, he has been actively involved in agriculture, building a self-reliant life while also encouraging others in his community to recognize the potential in farming. Even as he pursues his graduation, Vicky manages his agricultural responsibilities with a level of knowledge and discipline that reflects years of experience.
Starting with 10 acres of ancestral land, he has expanded his operations to around 35 to 37 acres. A major part of his work involves paddy cultivation during the Kharif season, particularly the PB-1121 (Pusa Basmati) variety, known for its high yield and market value. In combination with animal husbandry, his farming efforts generate an annual income of over Rs 25 lakh, with paddy playing a central role.
Farming Heritage with a Modern Outlook
Vicky Gaba comes from a family that has been engaged in farming for generations. He began professionally managing agriculture just eight years ago. Moving beyond conventional practices, he adopted modern techniques, new seed varieties, and scientific methods of cultivation. He also practices animal husbandry and owns 10 indigenous cows and buffaloes. The organic manure from these animals is used in his fields, which helps maintain soil fertility and reduces input costs to some extent.
PB-1121 (Pusa Basmati 1121): Game Changer Variety
The most crucial factor in Vicky’s success has been the improved rice variety PB-1121 (Pusa Basmati 1121) developed by Shaktivardhak Hybrid Seeds. This variety is known for its long and aromatic grains, along with high yield potential. Vicky explains that he uses around 4 kg of seed per acre to prepare a nursery. Transplantation is done in the first week of July, and harvesting is completed by the first week of November.
The biggest advantage of this variety is its consistent demand in the market, ensuring good prices. On average, he gets 20–24 quintals of yield per acre and has sold it for up to Rs. 4000 per quintal when market conditions were favorable.
Diverse Farming for Sustainable Income
In addition to rice, Vicky also cultivates wheat, cotton, and fodder crops. He shifted from cotton to rice around a decade ago, after observing losses caused by pink bollworm infestations and volatile market prices. Today, during the Kharif season, he grows PB-1121 on 30 acres, cotton on 5 acres, and fodder on 2 acres. During the Rabi season, wheat dominates his fields.
Vicky also manages a small dairy unit with 10 indigenous cows and buffaloes. The manure from the cattle is used in his fields as organic fertilizer, reducing input costs and improving soil health.
Smart Planning and Cost Management
Vicky’s success is not accidental, it is the result of careful planning and efficient resource management. His input cost for PB-1121 cultivation is around Rs. 35,000 per acre, covering seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor. Yet, due to the superior quality of seeds from Shaktivardhak and the company’s technical support, his returns far exceed the investment.
For wheat, the input cost is much lower, around Rs. 10,000 per acre, and he gets up to 22 quintals per acre. With good pricing and yields, both crops contribute significantly to his annual income. The support he receives from the Shaktivardhak Seeds team—regular field visits and expert advice—has been a crucial pillar in his farming journey.
Power of Youth and Innovation
Vicky Gaba believes in embracing innovation in agriculture. He says that today’s farming requires improved varieties, better technologies, and smart planning. According to him, farmers should not fear change but rather adapt to it and move forward. He believes that if a farmer is aware and follows a systematic approach, he can earn lakhs of rupees every year.
Vicky Gaba’s journey is a reminder that agriculture is not a fallback. It can be a chosen path to success. By combining his traditional roots with a progressive mindset, he has created a farming model that is both profitable and sustainable. He stands as a role model not just for the farmers of Punjab, but for the entire youth of rural India. His fields are not just growing crops—they are growing hope.
