Fateh Singh, a 42-year-old dairy farmer from Chhat village in SAS Nagar, has transformed his enterprise from a modest 50-animal unit in 2016 to a thriving 300-animal operation, demonstrating how scientific breeding, direct marketing, and value addition can revolutionize traditional dairy farming.
From Middlemen to Direct Sales
Starting with 40 buffaloes and 10 cattle, Singh initially relied on middlemen to sell milk. In 2020, he made a pivotal decision to sell directly to consumers in Zirakpur and Panchkula, boosting profits and building customer trust through guaranteed purity and quality. “Like many small dairy farmers, I initially depended on middlemen to sell milk. However, I always believed that real profit lies in quality, genetics and direct connection with customers,” Singh said.
Scientific Breeding and Herd Improvement
With guidance from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) experts, Singh focused on selective breeding to prevent inbreeding. He maintained proper breeding records, identified superior animals, and selected the right bulls for mating, ensuring genetic diversity and continuous improvement in milk yield and animal health. “They guided me on maintaining proper breeding records, identifying superior animals and selecting the right bulls for mating. It helped ensure genetic diversity while continuously improving milk yield and overall animal health,” he added.
Elite Herd and Recognition
By 2021, his farm housed around 300 animals, all bred on-site without external purchases. A standout buffalo named ‘Janvi’ produces 26.5 litres of milk daily, while the prized bull ‘Samar’ passes on superior genetics. In recognition of his innovative practices, Singh received the Chief Minister’s Award at the Kisan Mela held at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Ludhiana.
Value Addition and Diversification
In 2021, Singh launched ‘Samar Sweet and Bakery Shop’ to produce value-added dairy products such as paneer, khoa, curd, lassi, desi ghee, and traditional sweets like gulab jamun and rasgulla. “Currently, my farm produces about 10 quintals of milk every day. About half of it is used in making value-added products and the rest is sold directly as fresh milk, ensuring multiple streams of income,” he said.
Expert Endorsements
Balbir Singh Khadda, Deputy Director of KVK SAS Nagar, stated, “Fateh Singh’s focus on selective breeding, scientific management and herd improvement has resulted in sustained genetic upgrade and serves as a model for progressive livestock farming in the region.” KVK expert Komal added, “Fateh Singh’s journey is not just about numbers, it is about vision, resilience and adapting to change. From a small beginning with 50 animals to a well-established dairy enterprise of over 300, his story inspires farmers to embrace scientific breeding, direct marketing and value addition. His success proves that with the right mindset and strategy, dairy farming can be profitable as well as sustainable.”
Preparing for Mechanization
KVK experts also educated Singh on modern dairy practices, including body structure traits like teat size and udder shape, essential for future machine milking. This guidance is helping him smoothly prepare the herd for mechanization, ensuring continued growth and efficiency.
