Renu Sangwan, a progressive dairy farmer from Kharman village in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, has become an iconic figure in agriculture and animal husbandry. Through hard work, dedication, and innovation, Renu has achieved self-reliance and serves as a role model for farmers and women across the country.
Recently, on the occasion of National Milk Day, she was honored with the prestigious National Gopal Ratna Puraskar 2024 in recognition of her exceptional contributions to dairy farming, an esteemed award presented by the Government of India. Additionally, Renu will be presented with the Millionaire Farmer of India Award 2024 by Krishi Jagran on December 3, 2024, in Pusa, New Delhi.
Starting Strong with Indigenous Cows
Renu's journey into dairy farming began in 2017 when she started with just 9 indigenous cows. With the support of her son, Dr. Vinay Sangwan, she nurtured these cows with dedication, love, and care. Their commitment to maintaining high standards of animal welfare and sustainable practices has led to remarkable success. Today, Gokul Farm Shri Krishna Godham is home to over 280 cows and has become an inspiration of sustainable dairy farming. The farm is now regarded as one of the finest in the country, admired for its focus on indigenous breeds, innovative practices, and environmental consciousness.
A key element of Renu’s success is her reliance on indigenous cow breeds such as Sahiwal, Gir, Rathi, Tharparkar, and Hariana. These breeds are known for producing nutritious milk with medicinal properties and are more cost-effective to maintain compared to hybrid breeds.
"The milk of Desi breeds like Sahiwal and Gir has medicinal properties," says Dr. Vinay. "These cows are also better suited to the local environment, and their milk is highly nutritious, which makes them stand out from hybrid breeds. By promoting indigenous cows, farmers can achieve both financial self-reliance and environmental sustainability."
Expanding Beyond Milk: Diversification of Dairy Products
Renu and her son Vinay didn’t stop at milk production. Their vision expanded into creating high-quality dairy products such as ghee, paneer, barfi, and Chyawanprash. The ghee produced on their farm is particularly in demand, not only in India but also in over 24 countries worldwide. This diversification has proven highly profitable, with the farm's turnover reaching an impressive Rs 3 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
"Our products are known for their purity and high quality. We have built a reputation not just locally but also internationally," says Vinay.
Modern Techniques Meet Traditional Wisdom
The success of Gokul Farm Shri Krishna Godham can also be attributed to its adoption of modern farming techniques. Renu, along with her son Vinay, has installed automatic milking machines and advanced cleaning equipment on the farm to improve efficiency and maintain hygiene standards. The farm also produces and sells the semen of indigenous bulls, which plays a crucial role in improving the breed quality of cattle.
"We have integrated modern technology to make the farming process more efficient, but we also ensure that we don’t compromise on the health and well-being of our cows," says Vinay. "The key is to strike a balance between modern practices and traditional methods."
Overcoming Challenges
No success is without its challenges, and Renu and Vinay’s journey was no different. In the initial years, they faced resource shortages and had to navigate through various hurdles. But their determination remained unshaken. The greatest challenge they faced was managing the health of their cows and protecting them from diseases.
"Vaccination and cleanliness are critical in dairy farming. We invested a lot of time in ensuring that the cows received regular vaccinations and were kept in a clean environment," says Vinay. "Moreover, we focused on providing them with high-quality fodder, which kept them healthy and productive."
Tips for Aspiring Dairy Farmers
Renu Sangwan's success has been built on a few key principles that they believe are essential for anyone looking to succeed in dairy farming. Here are their top five suggestions:
-
Adopt Indigenous Breeds: Native breeds like Sahiwal, Gir, and Tharparkar offer numerous advantages over hybrid breeds. They are more resilient and cost-effective to maintain.
-
Prioritize Health: Regular vaccinations, proper cleanliness, and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining the health of cows and ensuring their productivity.
-
Start Small: Begin with a manageable number of cows and gradually scale up once you gain experience and learn the ropes of the business.
-
Provide Nutritious Food: Ensure that your cows are fed a balanced diet, with an emphasis on green fodder, which is crucial for their well-being.
-
Embrace Sustainable Practices: Renu’s commitment to natural and sustainable farming methods has been one of the keys to her success. Her focus on indigenous breeds and organic practices has not only been beneficial for their farm but also for the environment.
Looking ahead, Renu Sangwan dreams of more and more farmers across the country adopting indigenous cows and using modern farming techniques to increase their productivity. They hope to inspire others to diversify their income sources by producing not just milk but also high-quality dairy products, thus improving their financial independence.
"I believe that if farmers accept these methods, they can achieve self-reliance and contribute significantly to the agricultural sector," says Renu.
Renu Sangwan’s journey from a small village to national recognition is a powerful reminder of the impact of hard work, dedication, and innovation. Their journey proves that with the right approach, even the smallest of farms can turn into thriving enterprises, benefiting both the farmers and the community at large.
“Success is not just about reaching milestones; it’s about inspiring others to dream and achieve,” Renu concludes with a smile.
