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National
Punjab's marginal farmers adopt gharelu bagichi model to grow diverse crops
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 21 Sep 2026, 01:35 AM
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In Punjab, marginal farmers are using the gharelu bagichi (home garden) approach to cultivate vegetables, fruits and other crops alongside traditional wheat and paddy. This diversification aims to improve livelihoods and reduce dependency on staple grains.
The gharelu bagichi model refers to a small-scale home garden setup that allows farmers to grow a variety of crops on limited land. Marginal farmers in Punjab are increasingly adopting this approach to move beyond the traditional wheat‑paddy cycle.
By cultivating vegetables, fruits, pulses and other short‑duration crops, these farmers aim to enhance household nutrition and generate additional income throughout the year. The model also helps in better utilization of available resources such as family labour and water.
Experts note that diversifying away from water‑intensive staples can reduce input costs and promote more sustainable farming practices. The shift reflects a broader effort among Punjab’s smallholder community to improve resilience against market and climatic uncertainties.
By cultivating vegetables, fruits, pulses and other short‑duration crops, these farmers aim to enhance household nutrition and generate additional income throughout the year. The model also helps in better utilization of available resources such as family labour and water.
Experts note that diversifying away from water‑intensive staples can reduce input costs and promote more sustainable farming practices. The shift reflects a broader effort among Punjab’s smallholder community to improve resilience against market and climatic uncertainties.