Bhag Singh cultivates carnations on 1,700 sq metres using polyhouse technology
MANDI: At a time when many young individuals are chasing conventional jobs, Bhag Singh from Charkha village in the Gohar sub-division of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh has taken a different path — choosing modern agriculture over a desk job.
With a background in Information Technology, Bhag Singh left a promising career in the IT sector to pursue floriculture and is now earning between Rs 10 to 12 lakh annually by cultivating flowers on 1,700 square metres of land.
Bhag Singh completed his education in Information Technology and worked in the sector for a brief period. However, his deep-rooted interest in farming brought him back to his native village.
Initially, he grew traditional crops such as wheat, peas, barley and maize, but frequent weather-related setbacks like untimely rains and hailstorms affected his yields and profitability.
Took training at Palampur Agriculture University
Determined to succeed in agriculture, Bhag Singh approached the horticulture department for guidance.
He was advised to shift towards polyhouse-based floriculture and was subsequently trained at the Agriculture University in Palampur.
In 2020, under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission (MIDH) and the Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojana, Bhag Singh installed three polyhouses and began cultivating carnations.
Encouraged by strong market demand and good returns, he expanded his operations further in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Currently, Bhag Singh grows multiple flower varieties, including carnations, spray carnations, stoma and gypsophila. These are primarily sold in Delhi markets. His annual income from floriculture has now reached approximately Rs 12 lakh.
Government support a key factor
Bhag Singh stated that he has invested nearly Rs 20 lakh so far in setting up polyhouses, planting material, drip irrigation systems and supporting infrastructure.
Of this, around Rs 15 to 16 lakh has been received as subsidy from the government. He expressed gratitude for the state’s initiatives to promote self-reliant agriculture through modern techniques.
According to officials, 66 farmers in the Gohar Block are currently cultivating flowers using polyhouse technology under the same schemes. Since 2022, subsidies worth Rs 60 lakh have been distributed among them.
Push for modern floriculture in Himachal
The Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojana provides year-round training in protected cultivation of high-value flowers. Farmers are encouraged to adopt greenhouses, net houses, and shade houses to align their produce with national and international market demands.
To further support young entrepreneurs, the government is offering a 25% subsidy on bus transportation for flowers and up to 85% subsidy for solar-powered fencing to protect crops from stray animals.
Additionally, there is an 85% subsidy for constructing polyhouses and up to 80% subsidy on drip irrigation under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.
Inspiration for rural youth
Bhag Singh’s story stands as a testament to the growing opportunities in agri-entrepreneurship.
With a combination of vision, training and government support, he has not only achieved self-reliance but is also setting an example for other educated youth to explore sustainable, profitable farming.
Munish Sood
