A Family's Legacy: The Singh Family's Pioneering Spirit in British Agriculture

Imagine this. You are standing in a field on a Strawberry farm in a village called Evesham in the heart of rural Worcestershire. Ripe strawberries and the smell of summer surround you, quintessentially English. You are looking for the grandson of the owner.  The jingling of Kara jewellery makes you aware of him before you see him in all his glory. Master Singh emerges from between the strawberry cloches, resplendent in his traditional Sikh uniform with turban and dagger. You realise this is not a typical farm in the UK. 

This is the scene that greeted me during my first visit to Vicarage Nurseries.  I was there, playing the role of producer overseeing the recording of an episode of ‘It’s a Punjabi Farm - innit’ a new behind-the-scenes documentary focusing on the farm and the vibrant team that runs it and the history of how it came to be. My guide is one of the stars of the show and the driving force behind raising awareness of the lack of diversity in farming is Bal Padda, youngest son of the patriarch and owner Mahkan Singh Padda. 

So, why does this matter to the world of business? 

The Singh family's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of perseverance and a lesson for us all to learn. Their journey from the fertile fields of Punjab to the heart of the English countryside is a narrative that resonates with anyone who has dared to dream.

Makhan Singh, the patriarch of the family, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined generations of Indians. His migration to the UK in the 1970s was a bold step, and his decision to venture into farming was even bolder. His unwavering determination and hard work have laid the foundation for the family's success.

It underlines the fact that those who are bold, who have unwavering commitment and back themselves in the face of adversity will find a way to succeed in business. 

Today, Vicarage Nurseries, under the stewardship of Makhan’s sons Bal Padda and Harjit Singh, stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. The farm has always been dedicated to producing high-quality fruits but as Bal and Harjit set the business in a different direction, you realise what is on show here is marketing differentiation, which is fundamental to any business success. 

There are no doubt plenty of strawberry growers in the UK but there is only one that has its origins in India, who realise that their diversity is their power and that the best way to market your business is to stand out from the crowd.

The documentary, produced by Nexus Creative Ltd, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of farm life and the challenges faced by farmers. It is a heartwarming tale of love, labour, and legacy. As the world grapples with issues of food security, climate change and tension the Singh family's story serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable agriculture and the power of family and faith.

To watch ‘It’s a Punjabi Farm, innit’ search on Youtube