How Sikh farmers saved Parmesan in Italy

When you sprinkle Parmesan on your pasta, you probably imagine rustic Italian farmers and centuries-old family traditions. But did you know that Parmesan cheese almost didn't survive until the Sikh farmers in Italy came to the rescue?

During the 1980s and 1990s, many Sikhs migrated to Italy in search of better opportunities. Many of them ended up in the Po Valley, a fertile region in northern Italy.

This location was chosen because the climate and flat farmlands were perfect for dairy farming, something Punjabis knew well. The Sikh migrants there were building a future there from scratch. It was quite a struggle for them, especially in the first years, mainly due to language barriers, cultural differences, and strict immigration rules. Life wasn't so easy for them.

By the late 20th century, Italy’s younger generations were walking away from tough agricultural work. This jeopardised the Parmesan cheese industry as there were no steady hands on the farms. Let's imagine if there weren't people to milk the cows and manage the dairies, how could the centuries-old craft of Parmigiano Reggiano survive? It was a crisis that almost no one outside Italy noticed.

This is where Punjabi farmers in Italy stepped in, bringing generations of dairy expertise from Punjab. Parmesan production was then continued through the farmers' discipline, strong work ethic, and family-based farming traditions.

This is because the lifestyle fits them. Sikhs already wake up before dawn to pray (recite prayers during Amrit Vela, or the "ambrosial hours"), so starting the milking shift at 4 am didn't feel out of place. They got on it daily for two rounds, early morning and late afternoon.

Respect for animals, a value rooted in Punjabi farming culture, impressed local dairy owners. Farmers couldn’t believe how carefully the newcomers handled their cows.

Within just a few decades, the Sikh farmers became the engine of the parmesan cheese industry, making up as much as 60% of the workforce behind Parmigiano Reggiano today. The world’s most famous Italian cheese was safeguarded by immigrants who weren’t even drawn to Parmesan itself, but to the familiar land of the Po Valley.

If it weren't for them, Parmesan might have collapsed under labour shortages. And imagine how Parmesan cheese is such a versatile ingredient today. It can be added to multiple dishes, ranging from pasta, pizza, salads, risottos, or even eaten on its own as a snack or with bread.

The Gurdwara in Novellara, which was opened in 2000 and later expanded, stands as one of the largest and most prominent in Europe. This Gurudwara is more than a place of worship. It’s a symbol of integration, cultural pride, and the community’s deep roots in Italy.

The Sikh community has also shown up for their neighbours in powerful ways. After the 2012 earthquake, they cooked and delivered meals twice a day to victims. They’ve donated vehicles to the Red Cross, and many even volunteer for civil protection, proving they’re not outsiders but an essential part of local life.

There’s also a clear generational shift. The older generation mostly worked the dairies, while the younger ones are moving into office and lab jobs. Take Raman and Maninder, a young Sikh couple in Novellara who describe themselves as Indo-Italian, proud of their heritage but fully shaped by Italian culture.

Currently, Sikh farmers make up a significant portion of the workforce at the Italian Parmesan cheese industry. Local leaders acknowledge that while Sikh farmers saved parmesan in the past, the future may look different as many young Sikh-Italians are pursuing non-agricultural careers in offices, schools, and professional fields.

There has, however, been a notable trend of young native Italians returning to agriculture, seeing it as a viable and fulfilling career path, but they are looking more into modern farming. Punjabi farmers, as of now, continue to form the backbone of many traditional dairy operations. 

Parmesan lives on thanks to Sikh resilience. Learn how this spirit continues in the link below: