Gill Organics is the vision of two cousins from Patiala who have transformed their deep-rooted family traditions into a mission for organic farming.
Growing up in a farming household, Mantaj Singh Sidhu and Dr Baljeet Singh Gill were exposed to the agricultural lifestyle from an early age. Their inspiration comes from their grandfather, Late Sr. Baldev Singh Sidhu, who lived a long and healthy life following an organic way of living. His firm belief in natural farming methods laid the foundation for what would later become Gill Organics.
The people behind Gill Organics
Each individual at Gill Organics brings a unique perspective and expertise, ensuring a balanced blend of technological advancements, traditional knowledge, and a commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Mantaj Singh Sidhu pursued an MBA from Panjab University, Chandigarh, before heading to Ireland to work with Google for five years. However, his entrepreneurial aspirations and desire to create a meaningful impact in society led him back to India. At Gill Organics, he manages technology and operations, ensuring that the farming practices remain efficient and accessible. Apart from farming, Mantaj has a passion for producing films and documentaries, as well as exploring diverse cultures through travel.
Dr Baljeet Singh Gill spent his early years on the Gill family farm before moving to Patiala for his doctorate at Punjabi University. His academic background and passion for organic farming make him the agricultural expert of the team. Constantly updating his knowledge on the latest organic techniques, he ensures that Gill Organics remains at the forefront of sustainable farming. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading Punjabi literature and taking long walks through the fields.
Darshan Singh is the backbone of Gill Organics’ farming operations. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in organic farming, he possesses an unmatched understanding of soil potential, crop cycles, and chemical-free cultivation methods. Born and raised in the village where Gill Organics operates, Darshan Singh ensures that no aspect of organic farming is overlooked.
The motivation behind Gill Organics stems from a concern about the increasing levels of harmful chemicals and pesticides in food. The founders recognised the need for a healthier and more sustainable alternative. Their approach is based on organic principles that prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and chemical-free farming. Their goal is not just to grow food but to create an ecosystem where farming aligns with nature rather than exploiting it.
Farming practices
Gill Organics follows a strict organic farming approach, ensuring that every step of the cultivation process aligns with sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
- No Chemical Fertilisers or Pesticides: They rely on natural compost, manure, and organic pest control solutions to maintain soil fertility and protect crops.
- Crop Rotation and Companion Planting: These methods help maintain soil nutrients and reduce pest infestations naturally.
- Seasonal and Localised Farming: They focus on crops that are best suited to each season, reducing the environmental impact and ensuring natural growth cycles.
- Traditional Punjabi Farming Techniques: By incorporating indigenous farming practices, they honour the knowledge passed down through generations while making use of modern advancements.
The Cloud Farm programme
One of the standout initiatives of Gill Organics is their Cloud Farm Programme, which allows individuals and families to have a dedicated plot of organic farmland without personally engaging in day-to-day farming activities.
How It Works:
- Dedicated Farmland: Participants receive a plot of approximately 150 sq. yards for a six-month farming season (either summer or winter).
- Choice of Crops: Members select from a list of seasonal vegetables they wish to grow.
- Expert Maintenance: Gill Organics’ team of organic farming experts, led by Darshan Singh, cultivates the crops using sustainable methods.
- Home Delivery: Freshly harvested vegetables from the mini-farm are delivered weekly within 24 hours of harvesting.
- Farm Access and Activities: Participants can visit the farm to pluck vegetables, enjoy traditional farming experiences, and even go fishing in the farm’s pond.
- Traditional Punjabi Lifestyle: The farmhouse offers an immersive experience with elements like charkha (spinning wheel), madhaani (butter churner), bonfires, and a library of Punjabi literature.
- Community Engagement: Regular updates and communication through WhatsApp ensure that participants stay connected with their farm and the Gill Organics team.
Seasonal offerings
Gill Organics grows a variety of seasonal vegetables, ensuring that produce remains fresh, nutritious, and free from chemicals. Their farming approach aligns with nature’s rhythms, offering different vegetables in winter and summer.
- Winter Crops: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, beetroot, turnip, radish, spinach, green peas, tomato, eggplant, fenugreek, lettuce, onion, garlic.
- Summer Crops: Zucchini, colocasia, beans, ladyfinger, bottle gourd, sponge gourd, bitter gourd, summer squash, capsicum, cucumber, green chilli.
- Complimentary Additions: The farm occasionally adds fresh mint, lemongrass, mustard greens, and other organic produce to the baskets.
Beyond farming
Gill Organics is not just about growing food; it is about fostering a lifestyle that respects nature and promotes well-being. The farm functions as a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern organic practices. By offering visitors a chance to reconnect with the origins of their food, Gill Organics fosters awareness about sustainable living.
Through initiatives like the Cloud Farm Programme and traditional Punjabi farming experiences, Gill Organics creates an opportunity for people to engage with organic food production without the burden of maintaining a farm themselves. Their efforts contribute to a growing movement that prioritises food quality, environmental conservation, and healthier living.
Gill Organics is more than a farming initiative; it is a response to the pressing need for sustainable agriculture in an era where chemically-laden food dominates the market. With a team that combines generational knowledge with modern expertise, they demonstrate how organic farming can be both viable and impactful. By allowing individuals to participate in the farming process through the Cloud Farm Programme, they bridge the gap between consumers and organic food sources. As they continue to grow, their commitment to sustainability, traditional farming practices, and community engagement remains unwavering.
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