Honeyed Homecoming for Kashmir’s Migratory Beekeepers

Srinagar, May 15: As summer begins, Kashmiri beekeepers are making their way back from Rajasthan and Punjab.
For generations, Kashmiris are dependent on honey production as a vital source of income and sustenance. The valley’s honey is celebrated for its exceptional quality and taste, commanding high value in local markets.

To safeguard their hives from Kashmir’s harsh winters, characterized by severe cold and heavy snowfall, beekeepers take proactive measures. They relocate their bees and hives on a journey that begins in October, securing the continuity of their beekeeping tradition.
“We commence our journey typically in the third or fourth week of October,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a seasoned 50-year-old beekeeper from Budgam.
“The hives are transported either by trucks, suitable vehicles, or even on foot.”
Having recently returned from Rajasthan, he elaborated on the journey,  “Beekeepers, along with their families and companions, venture towards the warmer climates of Rajasthan and Punjab, where conditions are more conducive for the bees.”
Another beekeeper Abid Ahmad from Ganderbal said they set up hives in orchards and fields.
“The bees can continue to forage for nectar and pollen, as the milder climate allows them to remain active. The beekeepers provide supplementary feeding to the bees and regularly check the hives to ensure their well-being. As summer arrived and rise in temperature, we returned to Kashmir,” he said.
During the winter months, when Kashmir is blanketed in snow, these beekeepers become a part of the communities in Rajasthan and Punjab. They temporarily call these places second homes.
According to official figures, Jammu and Kashmir produces 70 tonnes of honey annually.
The honey produced by these dedicated beekeepers is not just a source of income, but also a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage.