Coming from a family that primarily grew wheat and paddy, Phuman Singh Kaurra witnessed the financial struggles that accompanied traditional farming. After discontinuing college in his second year due to financial constraints, he joined his family in the fields and managed a dairy farm. However, these efforts didn’t provide enough income to sustain them. He knew a change was necessary and began exploring other, more profitable crops.
A Shift to Carrot Farming: The Game-Changer
Living in Paramjitpura, also known as Allupur—a region famous for carrot cultivation—Phuman realized that carrot farming could be the game-changer he needed. He began researching on his own, visiting the agricultural university, and reading books on carrot cultivation. Equipped with this newfound knowledge, he decided to take a bold step and planted carrot seeds on his family's 4.5-acre plot. This decision marked the beginning of his transformative journey.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Modern Farming Techniques
Initially, the process was manual and labor-intensive. Phuman and his family had to sow carrot seeds by hand and travel long distances to markets in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Amritsar to sell their produce. Despite these challenges, their first harvest was a success, providing Phuman with the motivation to continue.
As he gained experience, Phuman started implementing modern farming techniques. He introduced machinery like planters to increase efficiency, which significantly improved his yield. As his reputation for producing high-quality carrots grew, buyers began coming directly to his farm, eliminating the need for him to visit distant markets. Today, Phuman primarily sells his carrots in the local markets of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Focus on Black Carrots and High-Yield Varieties
A crucial aspect of Phuman's success is his focus on growing black carrots, a variety rich in anthocyanins, carotenoids, and polyphenols. “Black carrots have been famous for generations, but people stopped eating them due to their color. Now, they’re gaining popularity again for their health benefits,” he explains. Black carrots not only support heart health and immunity but also contain beta-carotene, which improves vision.
Phuman's focus on quality yields impressive results. He produces around 200 quintals of black carrots per acre, selling them at Rs. 25-30 per kg. This price is significantly higher than that of regular carrots, which sell for Rs. 8-13 per kg. His approach of growing high-demand carrot varieties has not only boosted his profits but also established him as a renowned carrot farmer in the region. “Carrots have been my most profitable crop, yielding a profit of around Rs. 2 lakh per acre,” he shares.
Seed Cultivation: Building a Sustainable Supply Chain
Phuman's journey didn’t stop at carrot cultivation alone. Around ten years ago, he ventured into seed production to create a more sustainable farming cycle. Initially, he produced seeds solely for his own use, but as the quality and output improved, he began producing surplus seeds. Today, he has built a seed bank capable of cultivating up to 650 acres of land.
“We used to buy seeds from Patiala. Now, farmers from across the district come to me for seeds,” he says proudly. By selling high-quality carrot seeds at Rs. 1,000-1,500 per kg, Phuman has not only diversified his income but also contributed to the farming community by providing quality seeds to others.
Scaling Up Carrot Cultivation and Financial Success
From starting on a small 4.5-acre plot, Phuman has now expanded his carrot cultivation to 50 acres, of which he personally owns 37 acres and additional 13 acres on lease. Carrots are sown between September and October and follow a 90-100 day harvesting cycle. Phuman harvests the carrots between December and March, ensuring maximum productivity.
In addition to carrots, he also grows rice, maize and brinjal. However, he admits that carrot farming has been his most profitable venture. Today, his annual income from carrot cultivation and seed supply stands at approximately Rs. 1 crore.
Recognition and Knowledge Sharing
Phuman's dedication to carrot farming hasn’t gone unnoticed. Scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) often visit his farm to appreciate his innovative methods. Phuman is also passionate about knowledge-sharing, frequently providing guidance to fellow farmers. "No young farmer is sent away without their questions being answered," he states. He even shares seeds with other farmers to help them get started in carrot cultivation.
A Message to Aspiring Farmers
Having transformed his life through carrot farming, Phuman Singh has a message for other farmers: "Don’t lose hope. All you need to succeed is determination. Nothing is impossible." He also urges parents to educate their children but not to push them to go abroad. "Teach them to gain knowledge from outside but use it for our country and Indian agriculture," he advises.
Phuman Singh Kaurra’s dedication to mastering carrot cultivation and seed production, combined with modern farming techniques, has made him a successful and influential figure in the farming community.
