BALWINDER KANG

I have been farming for the past 40 years. I took up farming as a challenge, with a vision and mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of farmers. My farming operations are based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, India, where I grow a range of crops, including cotton, wheat, mustard, chickpea, and vegetables. I have also recently started cultivating rice. Although rice cultivation is not something I personally favour, given the concerns surrounding its sustainability in our region, it has become necessary to sustain my farming operations under the prevailing circumstances. Over the years, I have tried to remain open to new ideas, technologies, and farming practices while keeping practical realities and the interests of farmers at the centre of my approach.

My interest in learning and exchanging knowledge has also taken me beyond India. I had the opportunity to visit Israel, where I interacted with the Israeli Government and farmers to learn about agricultural techniques, technologies, and farming methods. I also participated in a Farmer Leadership Course conducted by the Cornell Alliance for Science. In addition, I visited the Philippines to participate in an ag-tech seminar conducted by CropLife, and visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

I was honoured by the Indian Cotton Association in Abohar, Punjab, and at the International Cotton Conference held in New Delhi as a Progressive Cotton Farmer.