A growing number of Punjabis who had migrated abroad are returning to their homeland, seeking to revive traditional farming practices, particularly dairy, with a fresh perspective and a desire to reconnect with their roots. This trend indicates a shift in priorities, driven by factors ranging from dissatisfaction with overseas life to a yearning for familial connections and a specific environment for raising children.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that individuals are increasingly choosing to invest their time and resources back into Punjab’s agricultural sector, leveraging both their overseas experiences and a deep-seated connection to their ancestral land. These returning expatriates are bringing a renewed vigour to dairy farming, aiming to build sustainable businesses and contribute to the local economy.
Manmeet Singh Toor, originally from Shahkot near Jalandhar, exemplifies this movement. Having moved to Canada in 2016-17, where his son is now a Canadian citizen, Toor has dedicated the past two years to expanding his dairy farming business in Punjab. The operation, now managed by his younger brother, has grown significantly from 100 to 250 animals. The herd currently produces approximately 1,500 litres of milk daily, with production increasing during winter months. Toor splits his time between Punjab and Canada, but his focus remains on the dairy venture, incorporating innovations and technologies learned abroad.
Lakhvir Singh Rajoana, after spending over two decades in New Zealand, has also returned to his roots to establish a dairy farm with 12 to 15 animals. His decision was motivated by a desire for his daughters to grow up in Punjab and to be present for his aging parents. Rajoana acknowledges the challenges of adapting to the local system, contrasting it with New Zealand’s established practices. He faces hurdles with government departments, traffic congestion, pollution, and weather-related issues but remains hopeful for successful settlement in the coming times.
Manjinder Singh Buthari, from Buthari village near Rara Sahib, returned to Punjab in 2023, realizing the profound importance of home. Having migrated to Australia in 2009, he found himself drawn back after the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since initiated his dairy farming business with over 30 animals, and despite initial challenges, he observes steady growth. His children are now studying in Punjab, reinforcing his commitment to his homeland.
Dr. Rajpal Singh, a progressive dairy farmer associated with Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), has observed this trend firsthand. He notes that the returning individuals are achieving positive outcomes in reviving traditional farming methods. Dr. Singh highlights that these farmers often share experiences indicating that life abroad was not as effortless as it often appears. He emphasizes that applying a similar level of hard work and dedication to farming in Punjab yields substantial and rewarding results, underscoring the potential within the local agricultural landscape.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
