The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with locals at the Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir event in Srinagar, where he interacted with Nazim Nazir Dar, a Pulwama-based beekeeper and beneficiary of the Viksit Bharat programme.

Nazim, who caught the prime minister's attention, recounted his journey from a small-scale beekeeper to a successful entrepreneur.

He informed PM Modi that he initially received a 50 per cent subsidy for 25 boxes of bees in 2019. Since then, his beekeeping business has flourished, with the assistance of the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which provided him with Rs 5 lakh. This support enabled him to expand his enterprise, leading to significant growth.

"In 2023, I sold about 5,000 kg of honey along with 2,000 honeycombs," Nazim shared with the prime minister, highlighting his remarkable progress in the apiculture sector. He also mentioned his efforts to involve others in beekeeping, with 100 individuals currently engaged in his business.

Impressed by Nazim's achievements, PM Modi shared a photo with him, referring to Nazim as his "friend" and commending him for the "good work" he is doing.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1765663162651881714

Modi expressed his admiration in a tweet, saying, "A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting, he requested a selfie and was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavours."

Nazim's journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial success serves as an inspiring example of the transformative impact of government initiatives and individual determination in fostering economic growth and empowerment in the region.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — Shugufta Akhter, a 25-year-old resident of Sangerwani Pulwama, has emerged as a beacon of women's empowerment in her community through her pioneering efforts in beekeeping. After completing her higher secondary education, Shugufta embarked on a journey to revitalize the organic honey industry in the region.

With determination as her guiding force and the support of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) under the Umeed scheme, Shugufta not only breathed new life into the honey-making business but also encouraged and mentored other women to participate, leading them towards success.

"I am grateful to the government and NRLM for providing opportunities for self-sufficiency," Shugufta expressed, reflecting on her journey since joining NRLM in 2021.

Shugufta Akhter's venture has not only enabled her to support her family but has also positioned her as a mentor within the beekeeping community. Emphasizing the convenience of fulfilling customer orders via phone requests, she underscores the significance of providing pure, unadulterated honey to meet the surging demand.

Beyond catering to local needs, Shugufta has expanded her reach by parcelling honey to other states of India, further amplifying her impact on the honey industry.

Through her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Shugufta Akhter continues to inspire and uplift her community, setting a remarkable example of empowerment and economic sustainability.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse