Left IT Job to Grow Flowers, Now Earning ₹12 Lakh Annually: The Inspiring Story of Mandi’s Bhag Singh

Here’s a 3-Point Quick Take on Bhag Singh’s story:

1. From IT to Floriculture: Bhag Singh, an IT professional from Mandi, left his job to pursue flower farming using modern horticultural methods, now earning ₹12 lakh annually.

2. Government-Backed Growth: With the help of state subsidies and training from Palampur University, he set up multiple polyhouses and grows high-demand flowers like carnations and gypsos.

3. Model for Youth in Farming: His success story highlights how state schemes and protected cultivation techniques are empowering 66 farmers in the Gohar block, making floriculture a viable career for educated youth.

Sundernagar, May 5:
At a time when many chase traditional employment, a growing number of educated youth are finding success through innovation in farming. One such inspiring figure is Bhag Singh from Charkha village in Gohar subdivision of Mandi district, who left a career in IT to pursue flower cultivation — a move that now earns him around ₹12 lakh annually.

With a background in Information Technology, Bhag Singh initially worked in the sector for a few years. However, his heart remained rooted in agriculture. Eventually, he returned to his ancestral land and began with traditional crops like wheat, maize, peas, and barley. But unpredictable weather made farming unreliable, prompting him to turn to the Horticulture Department for support and adopt modern techniques.

From Coding to Carnations: A Blooming Transition

In 2020, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojana, Bhag Singh installed three polyhouses and began cultivating carnations. After receiving training from the Palampur Agricultural University, he expanded into a variety of blooms — including spray carnations, statice (Stoma), and gypsophila (Gypsos). Encouraged by steady demand and good prices, he added more polyhouses in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He now cultivates flowers on approximately 1,700 square meters of land, with Delhi being his primary market.

Government Support and Investment

Bhag Singh has invested nearly ₹20 lakh in infrastructure, including polyhouses, plantation, drip irrigation, and other equipment — of which ₹15–16 lakh was subsidized through government schemes. Expressing gratitude, he credited these programs with playing a pivotal role in making farmers self-reliant.

Flower Farming Flourishes in Gohar Block

Currently, 66 farmers in the Gohar block are engaged in flower cultivation using polyhouse technology. Since 2022, nearly ₹60 lakh in subsidies has been distributed under state schemes. Farmers are trained in protected cultivation methods such as polyhouses, greenhouses, shade nets, and net houses, helping them meet domestic and international market standards.

To attract more youth, additional incentives include a 25% bus fare discount for flower transport, 85% subsidy on solar-powered fencing and polyhouse construction, and 80% subsidy on drip irrigation under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Yojana.