Ludhiana, October 29: Harbir Singh, an electrical engineer from Sarabha village in Ludhiana district, has become an example of successful youth-led farming after quitting his job to pursue agriculture full-time. With training from the Centre of Excellence (Vegetables) in Kartarpur and support under the National Horticulture Mission, he established a polyhouse where he now cultivates coloured capsicum, seedless cucumber, and muskmelon.
Singh said that with continuous technical assistance from the Horticulture Department, he was able to streamline production and marketing, earning an average profit of ₹12–14 lakh per year. “The guidance from officials and exposure to modern cultivation methods helped me overcome initial challenges,” he said.
Horticulture officials said the department’s focus on polyhouse and protected cultivation aims to reduce farmers’ risks and improve productivity. More than 900 polyhouses are currently operational across Punjab under various government-supported schemes.
Officials added that the model demonstrated by farmers like Harbir Singh shows how a combination of technology, training, and state support can make agriculture profitable for educated youth, while contributing to the larger goal of crop diversification in Punjab.
