Faced with her husband’s debilitating accident, Sukhpal Kaur transformed their small honey business from 50 to 550 hive boxes, creating a sustainable livelihood for her family and becoming a leading figure in beekeeping.
Sukhpal Kaur’s life has been buzzing beyond barriers ever since the 39-year-old homemaker adopted beekeeping as a livelihood in Panjawa, a village surrounded by lush crop fields in Fazilka district of Punjab.
The seeds — rather bees — of Sukhpal’s success started developing in 2012 when her husband Kalu Ram began a modest beekeeping venture with just 50 hive boxes. At the time, Sukhpal played a supporting role, helping her husband while also balancing her household duties. Her involvement in the family business would soon become her lifeline.
In 2018, tragedy struck the family when Kalu Ram was involved in a devastating accident, leaving him with a fractured spine and unable to continue working. The family’s primary source of income was suddenly wiped out. But in the face of overwhelming challenges, Sukhpal made a decision that would change her family’s fortunes — she would take over the beekeeping business herself.
“I decided not to cry in the face of difficulties, but to move forward with courage and commitment,” Sukhpal said, revealing her guiding mantra. With determination, she embraced the challenges of beekeeping.
What began as a small business with 50 boxes soon grew into an enterprise boasting 550. In the span of just a few years, Sukhpal not only restored her family’s livelihood but transformed it into a thriving venture.
Today, the loving homemaker and mother is widely respected in her community for her beekeeping expertise. Her honey business flourishes, providing a steady source of income, while also establishing her as an inspirational figure in the realm of apiculture.
One hive box can yield around 25 kg of honey a year, but the work is demanding and requires constant attention.
“Beekeeping comes with its own unique set of challenges,” Sukhpal said.
The bees, needing a steady supply of flowers, must be carefully nurtured. The business is highly dependent on crop cycles, and the insects are vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
“Beekeeping depends on the crops. The bees die in the heat, so special measures are taken to protect them,” Sukhpal explained. To combat the sweltering Punjab summers, she ensures her bees are kept cool and hydrated, with shade and water provided.
Still, there are dangers beyond the heat. On more than one occasion, Sukhpal has encountered snakes and wild animals lurking near the hives. She recounted how terrifying it can be to open a bee box and find a snake hidden inside. “No fear is more dreadful,” she said.
To protect herself from bee stings and other hazards, Sukhpal wears special boots and protective clothing. However, bee stings are inevitable and she has come to accept them as part of the job.
She notes that bee venom has medicinal uses abroad — though the technology to harness it is not yet available in India. This insight reflects the depth of her knowledge about beekeeping.
Over the years, Sukhpal’s success has inspired many in her community. Her story is not merely one of personal achievement but also of hope and possibility. The people of Panjawa look to her as an inspiration. ”She is a woman who turned tragedy into triumph and made beekeeping a profitable enterprise,” a villager said.
Sukhpal’s achievements are a reflection of the potential in Punjab’s beekeeping industry. The region’s rich agricultural diversity, with its abundance of flowers, vegetables and other nectar-rich crops, creates ideal conditions for beekeeping. Moreover, the sector is evolving, with modern technology and innovative methods enhancing productivity and quality. The demand for honey and other bee-derived products, particularly in the health and wellness industries, is growing rapidly, opening up new avenues for profit.
Sukhpal’s honey business is a part of this broader movement toward innovation, contributing to the economy while promoting environmentally friendly practices.
As she looks to the future, Sukhpal remains focused on her goals. “I balance caring for my husband and children with running a demanding business. I want to show that women can excel in any field they choose. Our honey is not just a product. It is a symbol of growth and the sweet rewards of perseverance,” she said.
The lead image on top shows Sukhpal Kaur at her bee farm. (Photo by Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir)
Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir is an independent journalist based in Punjab.
