Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
From Kinnows to Saffron: Bathinda farmer leads Punjab’s horticulture revolution
Babushahi Bureau
Bathinda (Punjab), November 4, 2025: Sukhpal Singh Bhullar, a progressive farmer from village Ghumman Kalan in Bathinda district, has emerged as one of Punjab’s most inspiring examples of innovation and determination in modern agriculture.
The son of Devinder Singh, Bhullar has earned recognition for his successful kinnow orchards and for introducing new crops that have redefined local farming practices.
Over the past few years, Bhullar has made headlines for experimenting with dragon fruit cultivation within kinnow orchards, a unique combination that has yielded remarkable results. The sweet, vibrant fruit has become a local favourite — even those who have tasted it, including this correspondent and his family, praise its exceptional flavour and quality.
Continuing his spirit of innovation, Bhullar recently began experimenting with saffron cultivation under controlled temperature conditions, inspired by the traditional Kashmiri model. His first harvest of saffron is now ready, marking a pioneering step in Punjab’s diversification efforts.
Having graduated with a Commerce degree from S.D. College, Barnala, Bhullar chose to return to his roots and adopt scientific horticulture on his ancestral land. He developed a direct marketing model, selling his produce independently to boost profits. Today, the Bhullar Farm kinnows fetch premium prices in the markets and are even supplied to Bengaluru and other major cities.
Recognized as a progressive farmer by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Bhullar has remained closely connected to the institution, crediting it for shaping his scientific approach to agriculture. Over the years, he has become a mentor to many large-scale horticulturists, offering guidance on spraying techniques, pruning, and marketing strategies.
His dedication and success continue to inspire farmers across Punjab to adopt innovation and resilience in agriculture. Truly, as writer Gurbhajan Gill notes, “Mothers do not give birth to such courageous sons every day — salute to the mother who raised Sukhpal Singh Bhullar.”