Bal Padda's family has deep agricultural roots, originally from Punjab, India. His documentary, ‘It's a Punjabi Farm Innit – A Story of Strawberries, Faith, and Farming’, follows the Makhan Singh Padda family’s journey from India to Worcestershire, where they have grown strawberries and raspberries since the 1990s.
Set in the idyllic countryside near Evesham, the film showcases the family’s dedication, the skill of farm workers, and a Punjabi soundtrack sung by one of them. Each part runs for 13 minutes, with an interval. The docuseries premiered on 11 February at The Regal Cinema in Evesham, highlighting faith, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work.
Speaking to Asian Voice about the inspiration behind the documentary, Bal said, “Farming has been at the heart of Punjab, India, and continues to be a defining part of our identity, even as many Punjabis migrate to countries like the UK. I want to tell the story of our roots, our struggles, and our perseverance. My mini-documentary serves as an introduction to this narrative for audiences in the UK. It highlights the significance of farming, the hardships faced by farmers, and their unwavering dedication.”
“The beauty of India lies in its passion, faith, and love. Visiting Punjab and witnessing the lives of farmers first-hand has deepened my understanding of where I come from. It has reinforced the importance of honouring our roots and sharing this story with the world, especially in the UK—often referred to as the "Garden of England." If you search online, you’ll find little representation of Asian farmers or British Asian farmers. Yet, farmers across the world are the backbone of society, ensuring that people are fed. They work tirelessly, often missing festivals like Eid, Baisakhi, and Christmas, as well as personal milestones—births, birthdays, and weddings—all to keep food on our tables,” he added.
Cultural and economic challenges being South Asian farmer
Bal emphasised the cultural and economic challenges of being a Punjabi farmer in Britain. He said, “Farming is in my roots. When you come from a farming family, you face many challenges, but you don’t let them stand in your way—you push forward. Many people don’t expect someone like me to embrace farming, but I do. Farmers should take pride in their identity. When you truly embrace who you are, you become part of a community that understands struggle, resilience, and hard work.”
“I hope that one day, people in India and around the world will see this documentary. It offers a unique perspective—one that hasn’t been explored enough. If you look at farming programs in the UK, they rarely feature Asian farmers. This documentary is our take on that reality, bringing much-needed representation and insight into the lives of British Asian and Indian farmers,” he added.
Bal stressed that while climate change is a major challenge, an even greater issue is the world’s neglect of farmers. He emphasised that governments have overlooked their struggles, despite their vital role in our survival. He said, “Just like we sometimes take our mothers for granted, we have taken farmers for granted too. They may not have the highest-paying jobs or the most glamorous lives, but despite every obstacle, they continue to feed 8 billion people. That in itself is incredible. The real challenge isn’t just the changing climate—it’s the fact that governments worldwide have forgotten to take care of those who take care of us. It’s time to remember our farmers, to respect and support them, just as we would our own mothers.
