Farmer Transforms Straw Disposal into Lucrative Business

A young farmer from Punjab's Malerkotla district has successfully turned the disposal of straw into a profitable business, setting an inspiring example for agricultural communities. Gurpreet Singh Kuthala, a 26-year-old farmer, has found a way to sell paddy straw, which is typically considered a liability by most farmers, and earn substantial income while contributing to environmental sustainability. Kuthala's innovative approach involves selling straw bales to a biogas plant that produces sustainable energy and fertilizer. Last year alone, he earned around Rs 16 lakh by selling 12,000 quintals of paddy straw bales. This year, his goal is to sell 28,000 quintals and generate over Rs 1 crore in revenue, showcasing the immense potential of his business. To facilitate his venture, Kuthala took advantage of a 50% subsidy provided by the Punjab government to purchase ex-situ machines, a straw rake, and a baler. With the help of his friend Sukhwinder Singh, he has acquired four additional machines to supply 18,000-quintal paddy straw bales to the biogas plant. In addition to his partnership with the biogas plant, Kuthala plans to store around 20,000 quintal bales from his own land and other villages. He intends to supply them to paper mills and bio-CNG plants during the offseason, further expanding his business reach and ensuring sustainable utilization of agricultural waste. Kuthala's success has garnered attention and recognition from Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, who encourages other farmers to follow suit and actively participate in the state government's anti-crop residue burning campaign. By transforming straw disposal into a profitable enterprise, Gurpreet Singh Kuthala has not only improved his own financial prospects but also demonstrated a sustainable solution to a prevalent agricultural challenge. His story serves as an inspiration for farmers across the nation to explore innovative avenues for waste management and create profitable businesses while safeguarding the environment.