18-Year-Old Punjab Teen Earns Rs 6 Lakh Monthly from Buffalo Dairy Farm, Rejects Education Abroad
In a remarkable departure from the conventional aspirations of many Indian youth, an 18-year-old from Punjab has carved out a lucrative career in dairy farming, earning a staggering Rs 5-6 lakh every month. Sohalpreet Singh Sidhu, a resident of Sehna village in Barnala district, has chosen to build a modern dairy enterprise in rural Punjab instead of pursuing education or opportunities abroad.
Choosing Agriculture Over Migration
While most teenagers his age are navigating school life and contemplating future paths, Sohalpreet has already established a clear roadmap focused on agriculture. He is not preparing for IELTS classes, foreign university applications, or education loans. Instead, he is deeply immersed in managing his largely buffalo-based dairy farm, which generates substantial monthly revenue.
The young entrepreneur, who turned 18 in January, is the only son of farmer Balbir Singh Sidhu. A class-12 pass through open schooling, Sohalpreet plans to enrol in a veterinary course in the upcoming academic session. He believes that practical knowledge, combined with formal education, will shape his future more effectively than migration.
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Enterprise
Sohalpreet's journey into dairy farming began at the age of 15 when he convinced his family to let him buy his first buffalo. In August 2023, with an investment of Rs 1.20 lakh from his family, he purchased his initial cattle. Starting with five animals, he began managing the dairy independently, reinvesting all his earnings to expand the herd.
"I have been very interested in dairy farming since childhood. My family always kept cattle to meet household consumption needs," said Sohalpreet. Today, barely three years later, his farm boasts around 55 buffaloes, 15 cows, and about 50 young cattle and calves, totalling nearly 120 animals. The herd includes premium breeds such as:
- 53 Murrah buffaloes
- 2 Neeli Ravi buffaloes
- 12 Holstein Friesian (HF) cows
- 2 Jersey cows
- 1 Sahiwal cow
All these are milching animals, with several buffaloes expected to calve next year. Sohalpreet estimates that by then, nearly 100 animals will be in milk. "My dream is to reach 500–550 buffaloes one day," he revealed.
Impressive Production and Profit Margins
The farm currently maintains 50-55 animals in milk at any given time, with 15-20 animals already pregnant. Daily milk production stands at 650-700 litres, sold to a private company with a collection centre in Barnala. Buffalo milk fetches Rs 65-70 per kg, while cow milk sells for Rs 38-42 per kg. Of the total daily output, around 400 kg is buffalo milk, with the remainder being cow milk.
Monthly milk sales touch nearly Rs 10 lakh, with around 60 per cent profit margin. "The earnings are reinvested directly into the dairy," Sohalpreet explained. With six labourers employed and a mix of manual and machine milking, daily operations are intense—milking alone takes nearly three hours daily.
Expenditure is mainly on feed, fodder, and labour. Due to home-grown fodder, the profit margin remains high, enabling him to add 25-30 animals every year. The family owns around 20 acres of land and has leased 22 acres, with the dairy farm spread over one acre. Nearly 4.5 acres are dedicated exclusively to fodder production throughout the year.
Family Support and Future Plans
Unlike many families that aspire to send their children abroad, Sohalpreet made his position clear early on. "I told my parents — don't spend money on sending me abroad. Support me here by investing in my business," he said. His father, Balbir Singh Sidhu, admitted the family was unsure initially but was convinced by his son's passion. "Today, we are proud," he stated.
Sohalpreet's grandfather, Nishan Singh Sidhu, also praised the teenager's progress, calling it "a source of happiness for the entire family." Balbir added, "I am very happy that Sohalpreet saw opportunity not beyond borders, but in Punjab and within agriculture."
Looking ahead, Sohalpreet plans to purchase 30 more buffaloes from his earnings soon while maintaining a steady ratio of pregnant and milching animals to ensure continuous cash flow. His decision to pursue a veterinary degree is strategic. "To operate at a big level, you need knowledge. Practical experience plus a degree is a combination that makes you strong," he emphasized.
Rooted in Passion and Punjab
Sohalpreet's daily routine begins at 4:30 AM, ensuring shed cleanliness and checking every animal before starting the milking process. "In three years, I have learned a lot — from milking cattle to feeding them, preparing feed and even treating animals when they fall sick," he shared.
He acknowledges setbacks, such as purchasing buffaloes of poor breed initially, but views them as valuable lessons. "If one is running a business, one must do every task oneself to understand every detail, so that you never fail or depend on anyone in times of need," he advised.
For Sohalpreet, dairy farming is more than just a business—it's a passion. "Dairy is my passion. For me, it is fun, not a burden," he said. This passion has already turned into a livelihood firmly rooted in the soil of his village. "I don't want to leave Punjab. My future is here," he affirmed, embodying a new wave of young entrepreneurs choosing to thrive in India's agricultural heartland.
