How Saniya Zehra built Kashmir's sweet success story

In a purple farm in Pampore, where vibrant saffron fields paint the landscape in mesmerising purple hues, an unconventional success story is creating buzz. Saniya Zehra from Balhama, has defied traditional career expectations by transforming her family's ancestral occupation into a thriving agricultural enterprise that's reshaping perspectives on entrepreneurship in Kashmir.
Two years ago, when Zehra announced her decision to leave her position in the medical field to pursue beekeeping, many eyebrows were raised.

Today, she manages an empire of bee colonies, making her one of Kashmir's most successful young apiculturists. Her colonies migrate across multiple states, following the bloom from Kashmir's saffron fields to the plains of Punjab, producing unique honey varieties while contributing to agricultural pollination.
"I gave importance to beekeeping, which was our family business," Zehra reflects on her decision to leave the medicine field two years ago. "While many might have seen it as stepping back from a prestigious medical career, I saw the untapped potential in apiculture. Our family's connection to beekeeping gave me insights into how this traditional practice could be transformed into a modern, sustainable business model."

The transition, though unexpected, was meticulously planned. Through the government's HADP scheme, Zehra secured initial support for her venture. "We started with just 35 colonies, but I had a vision for something much larger," she explains. "Today, we manage between good amount of bee boxes, making us one of Kashmir's largest operations. But what truly sets us apart is our approach to maximizing the potential of each colony."
Zehra's innovative approach to beekeeping extends far beyond conventional honey production. "I do not only focus on honey production," she states with pride. "I also do pollen green and royal jelly. Each bee product has its unique market and applications. By diversifying our products, we're not just creating multiple revenue streams; we're also ensuring that nothing from our colonies goes waste. This approach has helped us establish a strong market presence while maintaining sustainable practices."
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Zehra's operation is its migratory nature. She elaborates on her complex operational schedule: "Our bees are constant travellers, following the blooming seasons across different states. We begin in Kashmir's saffron fields, where our bees play a dual role – they help with pollination while producing our signature saffron-infused honey. From there, we move through Sangri, Batin, and Sonamarg, each location offering unique floral sources and honey varieties."
"The journey doesn't end in Kashmir," she continues. "We spend two crucial months in Ganga Nagar, Rajasthan, before heading to Punjab. This nomadic approach isn't just about maximizing honey production – it's about contributing to agricultural productivity across regions through pollination services. It's a win-win situation for both beekeepers and farmers."
In Kashmir where unemployment remains a pressing concern, Zehra has emerged as both a mentor and inspiration, particularly for young women seeking alternative career paths. "There is a lot of unemployment among today's youth," she observes thoughtfully. "But what many don't realize is that beekeeping offers a viable solution. It's not just about producing honey – it's about understanding agriculture, business management, and sustainable practices. These are skills that can transform lives."
One of her primary missions is dispelling common misconceptions about entering the beekeeping industry. "You don't need to own land," she emphasises emphatically. "This is one of the biggest misconceptions that holds people back. You can rent land, or even better, partner with farmers who need pollination services for their crops. The initial investment can be minimal, especially with government support, making it an accessible option for young entrepreneurs."
The role of government support in facilitating such entrepreneurial ventures cannot be understated. "The government gives us 80% subsidy," Zahra explains. "This means young entrepreneurs, especially those with agricultural science backgrounds, need only contribute 20% of the initial investment. It's an incredible opportunity that more youth should be aware of and take advantage of."

Local agriculture officials have been monitoring Zehra's success with keen interest. One official, speaking about the government's commitment to supporting such initiatives, stated: "We provide permission and technical guidance to improve the honey business. Our aim is to engage people in various fields of agriculture so they can earn their livelihood well. Success stories like Zehra's demonstrate the viability of our agricultural development programs."

While building her beekeeping empire, Zehra has observed concerning trends among Kashmir's youth. "There is nothing wrong with being content creators," she acknowledges, addressing the growing digital influence on young people. "But they are so busy creating digital content that they have lost their identity. Many are missing out on real-world opportunities while chasing virtual success. We need to find a balance between embracing modern technology and maintaining our connection to traditional, sustainable practices."

Her message to young people is both passionate and practical: "Listen to your heart, choose your field, and do something for yourself. The opportunities in agricultural entrepreneurship are vast and varied. Whether it's beekeeping, mushroom farming, or other agricultural ventures, the key is to find what resonates with you and pursue it with dedication."

Zehra's journey from healthcare to apiculture represents more than just a career change – it's become a model for sustainable entrepreneurship that combines traditional practices with modern business approaches. "Success in agriculture requires innovation, dedication, and a willingness to learn," she reflects. "But more importantly, it requires us to work in harmony with nature. When we do that, the possibilities are endless."

As her enterprise continues to grow and inspire others, Zehra remains focused on the bigger picture. "This isn't just about building a successful business," she concludes. "It's about creating a sustainable model that others can follow, about showing our youth that they can build meaningful careers while contributing to their community's development. Sometimes, the sweetest success stories come from the most unexpected places."

For Kashmir's youth, particularly young women seeking entrepreneurial opportunities, Zehra's success offers a compelling blueprint for combining traditional knowledge with modern business practices, proving that sustainable agriculture can indeed pave the way to economic prosperity.