A group of girls from Patipora village in Pulwama district, led by group head Naziya Nazir, is creating new livelihood opportunities through beekeeping and honey production under the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) Floriculture Mission. The girls received training and technical guidance from CSIR-IIIM on various aspects of beekeeping, including hive management, honey collection, feeding, disease prevention and honey production. Starting with just five to ten beehives, the group gradually expanded its activities with support from the institute, which provided ten beehives to each participating member. The group has placed beehives at different locations, including Arahil and Asna, to improve honey production according to seasonal and geographical conditions. After harvesting, the members distribute and sell the honey in the market, generating income through their collective efforts. Naziya Nazir and other members said the training helped them acquire practical skills and understand how to develop beekeeping into a sustainable business. They expressed hope that their enterprise would help them achieve financial independence and encourage other young women to explore similar opportunities. The initiative highlights the role of scientific training, institutional support and skill development in promoting women’s entrepreneurship and rural livelihoods. Through determination and teamwork, these young women are demonstrating how local resources and practical knowledge can create pathways to economic empowerment and self-reliance.
