From a modest start in 1999 to a thriving ₹4-crore enterprise today, Sikander Singh Swaich of Kheri Jattan village in Patiala district has redefined modern dairy farming in Punjab. At 43, he manages 215 Holstein Friesian (HF) cows at his Sikander Dairy Farm in Chaswal village, using advanced automation and scientific care to ensure both quality and efficiency.
Seventeen-year-old Sikander began his journey with no prior experience in dairy, training with Milkfed in 1999 and then at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in 2000. With a ₹6-lakh loan, he started his farm with 20 cows, repaying the amount within five years. By 2003, the farm’s profits began to rise through disciplined management and a dual milk supply model, half sold directly to consumers at ₹60 per litre, and the rest to cooperatives such as Verka and Amul at ₹44 per litre.
A breakthrough came in 2013 when Sikander invested ₹1.5 crore in Israeli automation technology, introducing hygienic milking parlours and automated packing systems. The technology improved productivity while reducing stress on the cows, enabling him to maintain a consistent output of 3,000 litres of milk daily with minimal labour, just ten trained operators.
Sikander’s commitment to animal welfare and sustainability is evident in every aspect of his operation. He ensures that cows are dried off two months before calving, thereby extending their productive lifespan, and meticulously monitors feed quality. In 2023, he established his own feed mill, producing ‘OKAB Cattle Feed’ and silage for both his herd and nearby farmers. With feed accounting for up to 60 per cent of farm expenditure, this move enhanced self-reliance and supported local agriculture.
Recognised for his innovation, Sikander received the Chief Minister’s Award (2025–26) from GADVASU, Ludhiana, and has trained internationally in Israel, Europe, Thailand, and the US to bring global best practices home.
“Success in dairy farming depends on knowledge, consistency, and care,” he says. “I want to help others grow just as I did.”
His journey stands as a model of automation-led, sustainable dairy entrepreneurship for India’s next generation of farmers.