AI Generated Summary
- Vice-Chancellor JPS Gill has acknowledged her determination and commitment to continuous learning, describing her progress as an example of how a small household activity can develop into a progressive business.
- What began as a modest family dairy operation has grown into a successful agricultural enterprise under the leadership of Rupinder Kaur Grewal, a resident of Lalton Khurd village in Ludhiana.
- Through scientific livestock management, continuous skill development and a determined approach to entrepreneurship, Grewal has established herself as an example of women’s growing participation in Punjab’s dairy economy.
Starting with a small milk-selling operation at home, Ludhiana’s Rupinder Kaur Grewal has built a flourishing dairy enterprise serving nearly 140 customers.
What began as a modest family dairy operation has grown into a successful agricultural enterprise under the leadership of Rupinder Kaur Grewal, a resident of Lalton Khurd village in Ludhiana. Through scientific livestock management, continuous skill development and a determined approach to entrepreneurship, Grewal has established herself as an example of women’s growing participation in Punjab’s dairy economy.
Her entrepreneurial ambitions took shape following a family visit abroad in 2009, where she observed how financial independence and professional responsibilities were shared among family members. The experience encouraged her to explore opportunities beyond household work and establish an independent source of livelihood.
In 2012, Grewal assumed responsibility for her family’s small dairy operation while continuing to manage domestic responsibilities. Initially, milk was sold directly from her residence, but limited production capacity restricted the business’s growth.
Recognising the need to improve both livestock quality and productivity, she joined the Punjab Dairy Farmers’ Association and began adopting scientific breeding practices. An important step in this process was the purchase of 10 heifers from Fazilka. With professional guidance and improved artificial insemination techniques, she gradually developed a higher-quality herd capable of delivering better milk yields.
Training and technical knowledge subsequently became central to her business strategy. Grewal enrolled in a 15-day programme at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, where she gained practical knowledge of animal nutrition, disease prevention and livestock healthcare.
The training enabled her to address several routine animal health issues independently, reducing veterinary expenditure and improving overall farm efficiency. Better feeding practices and systematic herd management also contributed to increased productivity.
Over the years, her enterprise, Manpreet Dairy Farm, has expanded considerably. The farm now accommodates approximately 80 animals, including 18 lactating cows, 18 buffaloes and several heifers and calves.
Beyond milk production, Grewal has developed an additional revenue stream through the sale of quality livestock. She reportedly sells around 10 cows and four to five buffaloes or heifers annually, with improved breeding standards helping her secure competitive market prices.
Her dairy business currently caters to nearly 140 customers across several Ludhiana neighbourhoods, including Phullanwal, Pakhowal Road, Barewal, Rajguru Nagar, BRS Nagar, Sarabha Nagar and Lalton Kalan.
Another important milestone in her entrepreneurial journey was the decision to diversify into value-added dairy products. After receiving specialised training in commercial paneer production at the veterinary university, Grewal began processing surplus milk into fresh paneer.
Encouraged by customer demand, she subsequently expanded the product range to include ghee and lassi. During the winter months, particularly between November and February, khoya has emerged as another popular product from her dairy.
This diversification has allowed the enterprise to generate income from multiple products rather than relying exclusively on fresh milk sales. It has also helped Grewal strengthen customer relationships and make more productive use of available milk.
Significantly, Manpreet Dairy Farm has achieved this growth without depending on highly sophisticated infrastructure. Instead, the business relies on disciplined daily operations, improved livestock genetics, practical veterinary knowledge and consistent attention to product quality.
Grewal’s experience highlights the potential of combining traditional dairy farming with modern agricultural education, particularly for rural women seeking sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Her journey has also attracted recognition from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. Vice-Chancellor JPS Gill has acknowledged her determination and commitment to continuous learning, describing her progress as an example of how a small household activity can develop into a progressive business.
For Grewal, the enterprise represents more than commercial success. It demonstrates how access to training, institutional support and improved farming practices can enable women to establish an independent economic identity while contributing to the rural economy.
As she continues to manage and develop Manpreet Dairy Farm, her experience offers a practical example for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to transform small-scale agricultural activities into sustainable businesses.
