Between purchasing 20 cows and owning over 200
In the present day, Sikander Singh Swaich (43) from Kheri Jattan village, Patiala district, herds 215 cows at his farm in Patiala’s Chaswal village. With an impressive turnover of Rs 4 crores and state-of-the-art automation, Sikander has been selling around 25 adult cattle every year since 2016-17.
The cows, depending on their health, can fetch anywhere from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh each when sold.
But it was not always the same. In 1999, 17-year-old Sikander, who had just completed his intermediate, had no prior experience in dairy farming. But he turned his life into an inspirational story.
“In 1999, I took training from Milkfed and from PAU in 2000. I knew that to make this venture successful, I needed to educate myself,” Sikander recalled.
With a loan of Rs 6 lakh in 2000, Sikander set up his farm and purchased 20 high-quality Holstein Friesian (HF) cows. In addition to the beginning of a self-discovery journey, that was what would become a thriving dairy farm business.
“Starting with a loan of Rs 6 lakh, and later taking a Rs 1.5 crore loan for automation in 2013, I had my doubts,” he admits.
However, his persistence paid off. By 2020, Sikander had paid off his loan of Rs 1.5 crore (Rs. 6- lakh loan he had paid by 2005 within five years of setting up of his dairy farm), having earned enough through the profits of his dairy farm.
By 2003, the farm’s profitability really started to show with proper commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability, he said.
He said the initial dairy operation focused on milk production, supplying to local cooperatives and selling directly to consumers. “Our daily milk production is around 3,000 liters and I sell 50 per cent directly to consumers at Rs 60 per litre, and the other 50 per cent to the cooperatives like Verka and Amulat at Rs 44 per liter.”
Sikander’s focus was to make it successful and repay his loan as soon as possible. But gradually, he started rearing the calves of his own cows and increased his cattle in numbers.
At any given time, around 140 of his cows were actively producing milk, while others were nearing delivery. Sikander also perfected his breeding and feeding techniques, making sure that every cow was in peak health.
Sikander said, “On average, a cow will have six to seven lactation periods, but some of my cows have given as many as nine or ten. The key is maintaining proper care.” He took special care of the cows during their pregnancy. “I stop milking a cow when she is seven months pregnant and keep her dry for two months before delivery.” This approach is effective in ensuring the long-term productivity of cows, he said, adding that he started milking the cows again after the delivery.
However, the major turning point in the farm, called ‘Sikander Dairy farm’, came in 2013 when he invested Rs 1.5 crore to automate his milking system. “The dairy farm now features cutting-edge milking parlors and an automatic packing system, all imported from Israel,” he said.
“The automated milking system means there is no human touch, which improves hygiene and efficiency,” said Sikander. He also said with the automated process, he can handle larger herds more efficiently, ensuring that cows are milked regularly, without stress and with optimal care.
In 2023, Sikander also set up a feed mill, where he prepares high-quality cattle feed called ‘OKAB cattle feed’. The mill not only helps Sikander maintain his cows’ health but also supports local farmers through contract farming for green fodder and making ‘silage’ (cattle pickle). “I believe in taking care of the entire ecosystem of my farm, which includes the farmers.”
The price of cattle pickles ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 7 per kg. An adult HF cow typically consumes about 25 to 30 kg of feed daily. According to Sikander, the cows are fed dry fodder, green fodder and silage, along with other nutrients, depending on the season and weather conditions.
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He mentions that approximately 55 per cent to 60 per cent of the total expenditure on a successful dairy farm is allocated to feed.
Sikander’s dedication for the cattle’s health extends to rigorous testing for fungus and other potential risks as well. If a cow is sick, milk production is paused to ensure the health of the animal and the safety of the milk, he said, adding that during summer season he also provides proper cooling to his cows by installing cooling fans inside the cattle shed.
Sikander’s exceptional journey hasn’t gone unnoticed for his contributions to the dairy farming industry. He was honoured with the prestigious Chief Minister’s Award 2025-26 by Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Science University (GADVASU), Ludhiana.
The progressive Dairy Farmers’ Association had also awarded him.
In 2019, he had also done a course in International Dairy farming and participated in ‘Reproduction Training and Dairy farm Tour’ to Thailand and Vietnam.
Sikander’s dairy farming educational journey took him to several countries, including Israel, Europe and the US, to gain knowledge about international dairy practices. “I have brought back the best practices to implement here,” he said.
As most of the process is automatic, he had only employed 10 persons just to operate the automated systems.
“Many of my friends who went abroad to earn dollars have now contacted me, asking how they can set up their own dairy farms. I am always happy to share my knowledge and help others who want to enter the business,” Sikander said with a smile.
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