Captain Paramveer Singh is charting a transformative course in the heart of Punjab, where chemical-based farming has long been the norm. Blending the discipline of the Merchant Navy with the wisdom of natural farming, he has embraced the teachings of global spiritual master Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and The Art of Living to create a farming model that nurtures both the land and the community.
Through his innovative approach, Paramveer is revitalizing the soil, promoting healthier and more nutritious produce, and building a more prosperous future for farmers. His climate-resilient, nature-inspired farming methods yield double the profit of conventional farming while ensuring early-season availability for customers. This unique fusion of ancient wisdom and modern practices is setting a new standard for sustainable and profitable agriculture in the region.
Balancing the Seas and Sustainable Farming: Paramveer Singh’s Journey
While serving as a Captain in the Merchant Navy, Paramveer Singh follows a rigorous six-month sailing routine. And when he is not sailing, he returns to his 15-acre farm, assisting his father who retired as a Deputy General Manager from Union Bank of India in 2016, to practice natural farming. Their ancestral connection to farming runs deep. As Paramveer puts it, “Kheti humari pushtaini hai. Maine bachpan se kheti dekhi hai. Hamare father ne to phone par bhi kheti karvayi hai.”
The shift to natural farming began in 2016 when he was introduced to Permaculture and later to Natural Farming techniques. His exploration into natural farming, combined with the stress of sailing led him to learn the Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing practice recognized by Gurudev, which has since become an anchor in his life.
"When I did Sudarshan Kriya for the first time at The Art of Living Bangalore Ashram, I felt fresh and good after a long time. My job is stressful, and I have practiced Sudarshan Kriya even on the ship to stay calm and focused,” he shares.
Paramveer Singh’s Commitment to Healthy Farming
Today, his farm, Bimbh Natural Farm, is a blend of Permaculture, Natural Farming, and local agricultural trends. The techniques he learned from the Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SSIAT) helped him adapt these methods to Punjab’s unique conditions while maintaining the essence of traditional wisdom.
What makes Paramveer Singh’s farm stand out is his commitment to serving them only the best, healthiest and high-grade fruits, vegetables and grains including the rare Sona Moti Wheat, Bansi Wheat, Unpolished Basmati Rice (aged for 2 years), turmeric powder, jaggery and jaggery powder, whole moong (Sabut Moong), whole moth (Sabut Moth), mustard oil, potatoes, and garlic. These products, known for their purity, rich taste, and nutritional value, have earned him a loyal customer base. Many of his customers are cancer patients or individuals with chronic health conditions who have seen tangible benefits from his produce.
Earning a place in history
His dedication to natural farming and success in it recently earned him the Millionaire Farmer of India (MFOI) Award 2024, organized by Krishi Jagran in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The award recognized Bimbh Natural Farm for its commitment to sustainable agriculture and commercial viability in today’s competitive market.
Why he wins…
Unlike traditional farmers in Punjab who rely heavily on single-crop chemical farming, Paramveer’s approach is holistic:
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Intercropping and soil health: He practices intercropping, where each yield benefits the next three, reducing input costs.
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Direct Retail Model: 95% of his sales happen directly from his farm, eliminating middlemen and maximizing profits.
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Fixed-Price Marketing: He sets rates for seasonal produce at the beginning of each season, ensuring price stability. For example, he sells cauliflower at Rs 60/kg throughout the year, regardless of whether the market price is Rs 20 or Rs 80. Similarly, his garlic consistently sells at Rs 200/kg, even when the market fluctuates between Rs 40 and Rs 400.
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Higher Profit Margins: Traditional chemical farming in Punjab yields an average income of Rs 70,000- Rs 80,000 per acre. In contrast, his naturally grown sugarcane and turmeric fetch him Rs 2,00,000 per acre, due to value addition through processing.
A Spiritual Connection with the Land
What truly sets Paramveer apart is his belief that farming is not just a profession; it’s a meditation. “Farming is like meditation; usse sukoon milta hai,” he says, and Sudarshan Kriya, he says, has played a significant role in reaffirming his perspective, helping him stay calm, focused, and deeply connected to his work.
