"Adversity is not the end of the road it is often the beginning of a new journey." The story of Mr Kamal Singh Uniyal, a progressive farmer from Gvin Chhota village in Dwarikhal Block of Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, exemplifies this belief. Through determination, continuous learning and the right institutional support, he transformed a modest livelihood into a thriving integrated farming enterprise, inspiring many in his community.
At 54, Mr Uniyal's journey has been anything but easy. After working at the Surya Bulb Factory in Delhi, he explored several small business ventures in search of a better future. However, repeated setbacks left him disillusioned. Rather than giving up, he returned to his ancestral village with a renewed resolve to build his future through agriculture.
Farming, however, was unfamiliar territory. Determined to succeed, he approached the Agriculture Department for guidance. Recognizing his enthusiasm and willingness to learn, the department nominated him for training at the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Pantnagar, during 2015–16. The training proved to be a turning point, equipping him with scientific knowledge and practical skills that laid the foundation for his agricultural journey.
Mr Uniyal initially cultivated traditional crops such as rice and wheat, but the limited returns prompted him to diversify. Identifying dairy farming as a promising opportunity, he collaborated with the Veterinary Department and procured four Sahiwal cattle through institutional support. The venture significantly improved his financial condition and gave him the confidence to expand further.
Today, his dairy unit comprises two Sahiwal cows, one Sindhi cow, one Badri cow, one Jersey cow and a Pahari buffalo, producing 20–25 litres of milk every day. The regular income from milk not only strengthened his household economy but also encouraged him to embrace integrated farming.
Over the years, Mr Uniyal diversified his enterprise by introducing off-season vegetable cultivation, fish farming and mushroom production. His fish ponds are stocked with grass carp, silver carp and Pangasius, while Dhingri mushroom cultivation has added another profitable source of income. This integrated farming model has enabled him to optimize available resources, reduce production risks and generate income throughout the year.
Beyond technical training, SAMETI, Uttarakhand continued to support him through regular capacity-building initiatives. Practical, hands-on training sessions helped him adopt improved farming practices, while the "SAMETI-Uttarakhand" WhatsApp group became an effective extension platform for exchanging technical knowledge, solving field-level challenges and promoting farmers' produce. Online training programmes further ensured that farmers in remote areas remained connected with the latest agricultural technologies and innovations.
Mr Uniyal's perseverance and commitment soon earned widespread recognition. In 2017, he received the prestigious "Kisan Shree" Award from ATMA. He was subsequently honoured as the "Best Farmer" by the Chief Veterinary Officer, Pauri, and once again received the "Kisan Shree" Award for his outstanding achievements in vegetable production. Recognizing his dedication to livestock farming, the Veterinary Department also provided him with 11 Pahari goats, further strengthening his integrated farming system.
The transformation has been remarkable. From earning ₹72,000 annually during the initial phase of his farming journey in 2017, Mr Uniyal now generates a net annual income of nearly ₹3.6 lakh through his diversified farming enterprises. His success demonstrates how scientific knowledge, institutional support and an entrepreneurial mindset can convert a small farm into a resilient and sustainable livelihood.
Today, Mr Kamal Singh Uniyal is more than a successful farmer he is a mentor and motivator for rural youth. Through his integrated farming model, he actively encourages young people to embrace agriculture as a viable entrepreneurial opportunity, creating sustainable livelihoods and reducing rural migration. His inspiring journey stands as a testament to the transformative impact of capacity building, innovation and perseverance in shaping a prosperous rural future.
(Source: State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute, Uttarakhand & G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology), Pantnagar)
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