Archive · 29 Jun 2025
From Dubai Driver to Punjab Farmer: A Successful Transition
Narinder Singh, who used to drive trucks in Dubai, came back to his family's farm in Punjab.
He started growing fruits like guavas and apples, and also trees like poplar.
He uses smart techniques like drip irrigation and makes his own fertiliser, so he doesn't need to buy as much.
He also uses different plants together to make more money from the same land.
He earns a good income from his farming and has even won awards for his environmentally friendly methods.
Narinder Singh returned to his Punjab roots after 14 years in Dubai and started farming in 2011.
He developed a diversified agricultural model, including orchards, agroforestry, and a bio-fertiliser unit.
Singh's orchards include guava and apple trees, with intercropping of turmeric and ginger.
He earns around ₹6 lakh per acre annually from guava and ₹2 to 2.75 lakh from poplar trees.
Singh's innovations include a bio-fertiliser unit and water-saving drip irrigation, earning him awards.
- Who
- Narinder Singh, a former truck driver in Dubai turned farmer.
- What
- A farmer transitioned from a truck-driving career in Dubai to diversified farming in Punjab.
- When
- Started farming in 2011 after returning to Punjab in 2010.
- Where
- Punjab, India, specifically in the Ludhiana district.
- Why
- To return to his family and find fulfillment in farming using sustainable and diversified practices.
- Former Occupation
- Heavy truck driver in Dubai
- Farming Start Year
- 2011
- Main Crops
- Guava, apples, poplar trees, turmeric, ginger, maize, wheat, rice, potatoes
- Orchard Size
- 1.5 acres guava, 0.5 acres apple
- Bio-fertiliser Unit Cost
- ₹30,000
- Awards Received
- District-Level Award, Rattan-E-Baghbani Award