Mr. Singh is the Indian version of sustainability and farm tourism. He is also a proud member of the World Tourism Network, a network of 25,000+ SMEs in the travel and tourism industry in 133 countries. He is now also the first recipient of the World Tourism Network Hero Award from India.
He told eTurboNews: “It is a privilege and an honor to be recognized by WTN.”
He also shared his philosophy with eTurboNews in saying: “Never Follow the Crowd”
Juergen Steinmetz, chairman of the World Tourism Network says: “With farm tourism, Sukhchain Singh has set a new trend for tourism to India. Congratulations on being recognized as our first Tourism Hero in India.”
Farm tourism is something India is not yet known for, but Mr. Singh is making a difference in the travel and tourism industry in this billion-plus people nation.
Hansali Organic Farm, a testament to resilience and dedication, stands as a beacon of sustainable agriculture in the heart of Punjab. Founded in 2007 by Sukhchain Singh Gill and his son and daughter-in-law, this 13.5-acre organic oasis in Village Hansali, District Fatehgarh Sahib – India, has not only weathered challenges but has thrived as a pioneering force in the realm of organic farming.
The inception of Hansali Organic Farm was marked by personal tragedy. In 2009, Sukhchain Singh’s wife succumbed to cancer. During this tumultuous time, the family realized the paramount importance of pure food and organic practices.
Rising from the ashes of adversity, they forged ahead to establish one of the first organic farms in Punjab.
Today, Hansali Organic Farm is a testament to integrated organic farming, a harmonious symphony of various agricultural streams. A multi-fruit orchard, a cow milk dairy boasting Holstein Friesian and native Sahiwal cows, a goat farm, free-range poultry, and a flourishing vegetable garden coexist on this verdant expanse. In addition to these endeavors, the farm engages in open-field farming, cultivating wheat, basmati rice, sugarcane, mustard, and pulses.
Hansali Organic Farm’s impact extends far beyond its boundaries. With its organic produce, the farm directly reaches over 150 homes daily in the Chandigarh tricity and supplies select stores. Moreover, the farm collaborates with Hyatt Centric Chandigarh, curating an organic menu that reflects their commitment to sustainability.
Embracing its roots, Hansali Organic Farm is deeply woven into the local community fabric. Beyond providing employment opportunities to residents, the farm collaborates with women’s self-help groups, empowering them through initiatives like the Mehar Baba Charitable Trust and Balwaar. These collaborations extend to showcasing and supporting local crafts such as durrie making, phulkari making, rug making, and zardozi embroidery.
The farm’s commitment to community involvement goes beyond economic partnerships. As part of their ethos, the farm hosts the annual Hansali Fest, a Food Festival that celebrates organic produce and provides a platform for local organizations to exhibit and promote their art and crafts.
The family pioneered farm visits to enhance the connection between consumers and sustainable farming. Understanding that ‘seeing is believing,’ they invited families to witness natural farming practices. The positive response paved the way for establishing Farm Stays in 2018-19, which the Punjab Heritage & Tourism Promotion Board approved.
The Farm Stays, managed by each family member (his son Pavail, his daughter-in-law Kiran, and grandchildren), offers a unique life experience on a working organic farm. Nestled in lush agricultural fields, guests enjoy the tranquility of rural life and witness the journey of organic produce from field to plate. The farm stay is a testament to the family’s commitment to fostering a deeper connection between consumers and sustainable agriculture.
Hansali Organic Farm embodies the spirit of resilience, innovation, and community engagement.
Click here to download a PDF or visit http://hunsalifarm.org.in
To be nominated as a tourism Hero anyone can apply. There is no fee, there are no promotional fees, and WTN welcomes anyone from a shoe shine boy to a head of state to be considered for this unique and prestigious award.
