From 2 cows to 35 cattle, a young woman leads a dairy revolution in Punjab’s Barnala

Appreciating her efforts, T Benith, Deputy Commissioner, Barnala, said, “Amandeep has become an example for not only women but for men too. She broke the gender stereotype and is also an example for the male dairy farmer, who can learn skills of managing animals from her,” he said.

Amandeep began her business three years ago with just two cattle. Today, she has 35 cows and buffaloes at her farm, with her highest-yielding cow producing up to 40 to 45 litres of milk daily, she says. When she decided to start her own venture, Amandeep underwent dairy farmer training at the Barnala dairy department.

“The training actually taught me the reason why I was not able to get high milk yield despite giving perfect feed and care to the animals. I learnt that a consistent diet and right breeding practices should be followed,” she said.

Since the training, there has been no looking back. With the help of the dairy department, Amandeep applied for subsidies, took loans, and today runs a successful venture, Surinder Singh, Deputy Director, Dairy Development, Barnala, said.

Amandeep said that the department helped her get a loan sanctioned within seven days of applying. She used the loan amount and subsidy to get a shed constructed for the animals. “I did not have any knowledge about the shed and the importance of the right design of the shed. It was the department officials who helped me in getting the things done with the right perspective,” she added.

Today, Amandeep’s modest home with a leaking ceiling has been replaced by a new house. She is busy managing the farm and serving as the breadwinner for her family. Her dairy farm has broken the stereotype that only sons can support their families, says Amandeep, urging youngsters to become entrepreneurs.