Kashmir’s ‘bee queen’ embarks on a mission to uplift women and motivate the youth

Over the past four years, beekeeping has become a central aspect of Sania Zehra’s life. Each morning, she rises around 6 a.m. to care for her colonies, dedicating the remainder of her day to cultivating the enterprise that has crowned her the “bee queen” of Kashmir.

At just 16, she embarked on her beekeeping journey, inspired by her father’s diligent efforts on their family farm in Balhama, nestled in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

“My journey began when I first witnessed my grandfather tending to the bees, followed by my father embracing the same craft.” Zehra shared with Arab News, “Seeing my father work so hard inspired me to step up and support him.”

She overcame her initial fear of bee stings and promptly applied for a government scheme, which facilitated the growth of her business.

The journey was far from effortless—she faced challenges in turning a profit during the initial years while balancing the demanding schedule of beekeeping and marketing her products.

She earned the esteemed title of “bee queen” through her relentless dedication to managing hundreds of colonies, and today, her products are selling out nationwide.

“I am selling my product all over India and receiving orders from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Dubai, South Africa, Qatar, and beyond,” Zehra stated.

For the 20-year-old, beekeeping is more than just a hobby; it’s a heartfelt commitment to safeguarding the environment while honouring her family’s legacy.

She becomes part of a growing community of women in Kashmir who are launching their own businesses, with many utilising government initiatives designed to train and empower female entrepreneurs.

In the face of ongoing social barriers, Zehra discovered unwavering support from her family, particularly from her mother.

My mother stands by me with unwavering support. “She says, ‘I have sons, but you have surpassed the boys, and there’s nothing that can hold a woman back if she sets her mind to it,’” she stated.

“It’s not just a passion; it’s a heartfelt commitment to uphold the family legacy.” The intricate social structure of bees and their vital role in our ecosystem have captivated my interest. I aspire to engage in their dialogue, create pure honey, and foster a deeper connection with nature. They inspire me.

Over time, she discovered that beekeeping served as a therapeutic outlet for her mental well-being while simultaneously contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kashmir.

Zehra founded an empowerment group to support talented women who encounter obstacles in accessing essential resources.

“I aim to be a catalyst for others, helping them to grow and thrive,” she stated.

Zehra currently has 40 members and is determined to grow that number to 100, empowering them to access the government initiatives that once benefitted her.

“I aim to provide job opportunities for everyone,” Zehra stated. “I envision a strategic plan to tackle the unemployment challenge in Kashmir and transform it into a remarkable destination.” My goal is to ignite inspiration in the hearts of young individuals.