Meet the Punjabi lady who started a bee business and has taught beekeeping to over 900 farmers

How One Woman Changed the Face of Farming: The word “farmer” alone conjures images of perseverance and diligence. Farmers are essential to our culture because they work nonstop all year round. These days, farmers have ventured into fields including animal husbandry, fish farming, and beekeeping in addition to conventional farming. Particularly, women farmers balance a variety of duties, including raising their kids and pursuing their agricultural interests. We honor the amazing journey of Bibi Amarjit Kaur Chandi today, a forward-thinking woman farmer whose commitment and creative methods have transformed her own life and the lives of many others.

Chandi’s Journey

Kaur Amarjit The narrative of Chandi started when she moved to Boolpur village in the Kapurthala region of Punjab in 1993 and married into the Chandi family. The family had a long history of farming, but they were not making a lot of money. Amarjit, a postgraduate student in music, had few employment options in her profession at the same time.

Despite the obstacles, Amarjit continued to look for methods to increase the profitability of their agricultural methods. After seeing the potential of beekeeping, she set out to create Chandi Farm, her own beekeeping farm.

Venturing into Beekeeping

Amarjit began her journey into the field of beekeeping in March 1995. She recalls, “Although I was first nervous about doing anything new, I chose to investigate beekeeping with my husband’s help. I began studying about beekeeping via training programmes provided by KVK, Kapurthala, and by April 1995, I had established my own beekeeping business with 50 colonies.” She was drawn to beekeeping since the Chandi family already farmed mustard and sunflower, which created a favorable atmosphere for the hobby.

To improve the quality and marketability of her honey, Amarjit brought Honey Processing Plant technology to Punjab Agricultural University in 2013. She and her spouse had specialized training in the production of queen bees and other bee products, and they shared their expertise with other farmers in an effort to increase their own earnings. Their beekeeping endeavor has grown to 400 colonies as of right now. To guarantee a steady supply of honey, they move their colonies to nearby areas throughout local blooming seasons.

Creating Self-Help Organizations

Amarjit had a sense of entrepreneurship that went beyond beekeeping. She founded the self-help organization Chandi Udyog Samiti in 1996, and then Bebe Nanaki in 2005. Many people in need now have career options, thanks to these initiatives. Amarjit points out, “Forming self-help groups was not just about business; it was about fostering a sense of community, providing employment, and offering mutual support.” She first established her SHG in 1996, but she later expanded her enterprise by learning how to make pickles from Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Her revenues increased even more as a result of producing and selling pickles, chutney, turmeric powder, and raw turmeric.

Sustainable Activities and Outcomes

With the help of government subsidies, the Chandi family is dedicated to sustainable farming methods. They use plastic plumbing to use water more efficiently and embrace contemporary technologies to handle crop waste without burning. It is admirable how committed they are to maintaining soil health and safeguarding the environment.

Appreciation and Honors

Amarjit’s services have been recognized with honors, including the ‘Mahila Kisan Puraskar’ by DD Kisan Channel in New Delhi in November 2018 and the Chief Minister’s Award during the Kisan Mela held at Punjab Agricultural University in March 2008.

Instruction and Social Effects

About 900 farmers from Punjab and other states have received beekeeping and associated training from Amarjit and her husband. “One of our most satisfying achievements has been training farmers,” Amarjit underlines. The community as a whole should benefit from the sharing of knowledge.” She has worked with the Department of Agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala, and others to arrange almost 600 Kisan Goshthi and training sessions.

The life of Bibi Amarjit Kaur Chandi highlights the enormous influence one person can have both within and outside of their society. Her commitment to sustainability, innovation, and agriculture is an inspiration to many, demonstrating that everything is possible with enough effort and willpower.