Sun Oct 12 04:43:36 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Ramhama, a village in Kashmir’s Budgam district, is being hailed as the “Honey Village” due to its thriving beekeeping industry. Apiculture is becoming a significant source of income and employment for the region’s youth, supplementing traditional agriculture and horticulture. Local beekeeper Mushtaq Ahmad Mir’s success story, starting with 10 bee boxes and now employing over 30 people, is an inspiration. Beekeepers have formed a cooperative to enhance their efforts. While government support exists, improvements are needed in market access, quality control, weather resilience, and access to capital for further growth of the sector.

**News Article:**

**Kashmir Village Buzzing with Success as Apiculture Takes Flight**

**Ramhama, Kashmir – October 12, 2025** – Ramhama, a village nestled in the Budgam district of central Kashmir, is rapidly gaining recognition as “Honey Village” thanks to its flourishing beekeeping industry. With agriculture and horticulture traditionally forming the backbone of the region’s economy, apiculture is emerging as a promising alternative, offering sustainable livelihoods and creating employment opportunities for Kashmir’s burgeoning youth population.

For many villagers, beekeeping has become a valuable supplementary source of income. The success story of Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, a local beekeeper, exemplifies the potential of this sector. Starting in 2010 with just 10 bee boxes, Mir transformed his operation after receiving formal training in 2015. Today, he produces between 7,000 and 8,000 kilograms of high-quality acacia honey annually and employs over 30 people. “I urge youngsters to take up apiculture – it is a very profitable sector,” Mir told The Hindu. He also believes that access to more advanced technology could revolutionize the sector in Budgam and surrounding districts.

Local beekeepers have joined forces, forming a cooperative to strengthen their collective efforts and navigate the challenges of the industry. While the government has provided technical training, equipment, and mentorship, industry experts believe further support is crucial. Improvements are needed in market access, maintaining honey quality, addressing weather-related challenges, and facilitating access to capital for aspiring entrepreneurs to scale up their operations.

The rise of apiculture in Ramhama offers a sweet glimpse of economic diversification and sustainable development in the heart of Kashmir, promising a brighter future for its youth and the region’s economy.

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