Indian Engineer Transforms Local Dairy Farming with High-Tech Innovations

Amrit Singh Buttar, a 32-year-old engineering graduate from Chandigarh University, chose to remain in India instead of pursuing opportunities abroad, rejecting a secured Australian visa in 2020. His decision led to the establishment of 'Buttar Dairy Farm and Dhurkot Feed Industry' in Dhurkot village, Ludhiana. The venture, capitalized at approximately 5 crore rupees, has grown from an initial pair of Murrah buffaloes to a herd of 130, producing 500 to 600 litres of high-fat milk daily.

The farm's milk production is split, with half sold to the regional dairy cooperative Verka and the remainder distributed to private consumers at premium rates of 70 to 79 rupees per kilogram. This operation generates monthly revenues of up to 12 lakh rupees, maintaining a 50% net profit margin. Buttar's commitment to local agriculture has resulted in a fully integrated operation across 25 acres, cultivating crops like maize, paddy, and wheat to produce silage and cattle feed.

Buttar has also ventured into agribusiness consultancy, offering startup advisory services for emerging entrepreneurs. His consultancy generates an additional revenue stream of 1 lakh rupees per month, with services booked well in advance. He has already assisted in establishing 10 to 12 independent dairy farms across the region.

The farm employs 10 full-time workers, including three women, and maintains stringent biosecurity measures to prevent herd health issues. Buttar's operation exemplifies the potential of modernized agricultural practices, leveraging his scientific training from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.

Looking ahead, Buttar plans to expand the operation significantly. A new high-capacity cattle shed is under construction to accommodate a targeted herd of 1,000 buffaloes, showcasing the scalability of advanced dairy farming techniques.