PM Modi impressed by Pulwama beekeeper’s success story

PULWAMA — During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with locals at the Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir event in Srinagar, where he interacted with Nazim Nazir Dar, a Pulwama-based beekeeper and beneficiary of the Viksit Bharat programme.

Nazim, who caught the prime minister’s attention, recounted his journey from a small-scale beekeeper to a successful entrepreneur.

He informed PM Modi that he initially received a 50 per cent subsidy for 25 boxes of bees in 2019. Since then, his beekeeping business has flourished, with the assistance of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which provided him with Rs 5 lakh. This support enabled him to expand his enterprise, leading to significant growth.

“In 2023, I sold about 5,000 kg of honey along with 2,000 honeycombs,” Nazim shared with the prime minister, highlighting his remarkable progress in the apiculture sector. He also mentioned his efforts to involve others in beekeeping, with 100 individuals currently engaged in his business.

Impressed by Nazim’s achievements, PM Modi shared a photo with him, referring to Nazim as his “friend” and commending him for the “good work” he is doing.

Modi expressed his admiration in a tweet, saying, “A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting, he requested a selfie and was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavours.”

Nazim Nazir was also facilitated by the district administration in Pulwama. Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, presented mementoes and a cash reward to Nazim in the presence of the media and other district officials.

Nazim Nazir, speaking to The Kashmir Pulse, detailed the entire interaction with the PM, attributing his success to years of hard work. He emphasized that success is not achieved overnight but through dedicated efforts over many years, highlighting the absence of shortcuts.

Nazim also acknowledged the district administration for their support and guidance, expressing his commitment to further elevate his brand in the beekeeping sector.

Nazim’s journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial success serves as an inspiring example of the transformative impact of government initiatives and individual determination in fostering economic growth and empowerment in the region.