Innovation doesn’t always come from big cities or high-tech labs—sometimes, it begins in a small village with a farmer willing to try something new. Baldev Singh, a 42-year-old farmer from Ludhiana, Punjab, is one such individual who turned traditional farming on its head using modern technology, organic practices, and mobile apps.
Today, Baldev is known not just for his prosperous farm but for being a local pioneer of innovation in agriculture.
The Beginning
Baldev Singh owned 10 acres of land where he cultivated wheat and rice like most farmers in his region. Despite years of experience, Baldev faced common issues—declining soil fertility, rising input costs, and increasing pest resistance. These challenges pushed him to seek new ways to improve his productivity.
Adopting Drone Technology
After attending a state-organized agricultural fair in 2021, Baldev saw a demonstration of agricultural drones. Inspired, he collaborated with a local agri-tech startup to introduce drone spraying on his farm. The results were significant:
- 70% reduction in water used for spraying pesticides
- Spraying time cut from 3 hours to 20 minutes
- More uniform application of inputs, leading to healthier crops
Other farmers in his village were initially skeptical, but after seeing the results, many adopted the technology.
Organic Innovations with Bio-Fertilizers
Recognizing the long-term damage of chemical overuse, Baldev began experimenting with bio-fertilizers and vermicompost. He set up a small compost unit on his farm and started applying organic matter along with reduced chemical use. In just two seasons:
- Soil health improved, reflected in better root development
- Cost of fertilizers dropped by 40%
- He began marketing his produce as “chem-free,” attracting higher prices locally
Going Digital with Farm Management
Baldev also embraced digital technology. Using mobile apps like Kisan Suvidha and AgriApp, he:
- Checked weather forecasts before planning irrigation and spraying
- Accessed real-time mandi prices
- Connected with agri-experts for crop advisory
This real-time information helped reduce guesswork and improved his decision-making on the farm.
Community Impact
Baldev didn’t keep his innovations to himself. He began inviting neighboring farmers for demonstrations, training sessions, and workshops. With the help of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, he started a Farmer Innovation Club that now has over 100 members in his district.
His efforts earned him recognition from the Department of Agriculture, Punjab, and his farm has become a model field for training and exposure visits.
Conclusion
Baldev Singh’s journey proves that innovation in agriculture isn’t limited to large corporations or research institutes—it can begin with a single motivated farmer. Through drones, organics, and digital tools, he not only improved his own yields and income but also transformed the agricultural mindset of his entire village.
At Krishi Gyaan, we celebrate such changemakers who redefine farming with courage, creativity, and community spirit.
