Punjabi-Americans: Growing California, One Farm at a Time

By: Aditya Ambarisha

Drive through California’s Central Valley, and you’ll see miles of farmland—almond orchards, vineyards and peach groves stretching to the horizon. What you might not realize is that many of these farms are owned and operated by Punjabi families, whose roots in California agriculture go back over a century.

It all started in the early 1900s when Punjabi men, mostly Sikhs, left India in search of a better life. Punjab, known as India’s "breadbasket," was rich in farmland, but under British rule, many struggled with economic hardships and limited opportunities. Some had served in the British Indian Army and heard about work in America. They arrived first in the Pacific Northwest, working in lumber mills, before moving to California, where the land and climate reminded them of home.

Farming came naturally to them, but life in America wasn’t easy. Racist laws prevented them from owning land, becoming citizens, or even marrying white women. Many found ways around these restrictions—leasing land through trusted friends or marrying Mexican women, who shared similar farming traditions. Despite the obstacles, they worked hard, saved money, and slowly built a community.

Over time, Punjabi farmers became some of the most successful in California. They played a key role in the state’s agricultural boom, particularly in crops like almonds, peaches, and grapes. Cities like Yuba City and Fresno have thriving Punjabi communities, with grocery stores, gurdwaras (Sikh temples), and cultural festivals that bring a piece of Punjab to California.

Their contributions go beyond farming—you can see their influence in politics, businesses and culture. Figures like Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian American elected to Congress, and Bhagat Singh Thind, who fought for immigrant rights, show their ability to pave the way for future generations.

Today, the Punjabi presence in California is stronger than ever. Their story is one of resilience, hard work, and deep roots—both in the land and in the communities they’ve built. They came with little, faced enormous challenges, and yet, through sheer determination, helped grow California—one farm at a time.

SOURCES:

• Punjabi Pioneers in California by Surinder Pal Singh.

• Echoes of Freedom: South Asian Pioneers in California, 1899–1965 by the Berkeley South Asian Radical History Walking Tour.