Beekeeping has emerged as a new avenue for educated unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir.According to official figures, there are 40,000 bee colonies in Kashmir. Beekeeping is a viable and lucrative profession in Jammu and Kashmir and is being practiced on a large scale.
During the last few years, many educated youths are not only securing their economic future on the strength of this business but are also becoming job providers.
Shabbir Ahmed Ganai, an entrepreneur from Anantnag is one such example who is eyeing to create job opportunities by taking advantage of government schemes.
Ahmed opened 10 subsidized beehives from the Agriculture Department in Angan Astanpura. Along with this, the department is giving beekeeping training to Ahmed and today Shabbir Ahmed is the owner of 309 bee colonies.
He said “After completing my graduation, when I saw that unemployment was rising, I thought of pursuing my hobby and with the help of the agriculture department, I converted my hobby into a business.”
Shabbir Ahmed introduced his brand “Nectar Natures” after which he also established a honey processing unit in the year 2020. Today Shabbir Ahmed is supplying his products to different parts of Kashmir Valley.
Similarly, Altaf Ahmad Bhat of Kupwara district of North Kashmir also started this business with the help of the department and today he is one of the biggest honey producers in his area. Altaf Ahmed Bhat produces 150 to 200 quintals of honey annually.
He said, “My father was also involved in this profession and I also took the same option. I came to know that the agriculture department is helping. So I contacted them and the result is in front of you.”
Significantly, in Kupwara district, more than 1900 farmers are associated with honey business, out of which 408 are registered.
According to the agriculture department, business is booming in the valley due to the increasing demand for honey in the domestic, national and international markets. The agriculture department is providing subsidized beehives along with training and extension services to the farmers and the educated youth are taking advantage of it.
“The department has provided various schemes and subsidies for farmers, as well as provided them with training when required,” officials said.
It may be noted that Atul Dilu, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, had recently revealed that the government would provide an e-marketing platform to beekeepers to sell their products. He also said that the GI tag for Kashmiri honey is also under consideration of the government and a proper plan is being prepared for the same.
When these projects will be implemented at the ground level, the honey business in Kashmir is likely to grow. Farmers hope that the government will start a new chapter by implementing all these projects as soon as possible.
