Ramhama, a village in Budgam district of central Kashmir, has earned the title of “Honey Village” for its growing prominence in beekeeping and honey production. While rural Kashmir continues to rely largely on agriculture and horticulture — the backbone of its economy — apiculture is emerging as a promising sector with the potential to significantly contribute to the local economy and create sustainable employment opportunities for the region’s growing number of unemployed youth.
For many local people, it has become a valuable supplementary source of livelihood.
One of the most inspiring success stories from Ramhama is that of Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, who began beekeeping in 2010 with just 10 bee boxes. Initially, he struggled to make a decent living. However, after receiving formal training from the Agriculture Department in 2015, his fortunes changed. Mir now produces between 7,000 and 8,000 kilograms of honey annually and employs more than 30 people. “I urge youngsters to take up apiculture — it is a very profitable sector,” Mir told The Hindu. “I produce high-quality acacia honey that is supplied to several States across the country.” He adds that if local beekeepers had access to more advanced technology, such as that used in the United States, the apiculture sector in Budgam and nearby districts could be transformed.
