A haze blankets the undulating karewas of Kashmir’s saffron fields, a haven for 20-year-old physiotherapist Sania Zehra, who, much like the harbor that shelters ships during a storm, has chosen to be a beekeeper.
Her sharp eyes, full of depth and confidence, reflect love—a memory of the past—as she folds the cuffs of her pheran and passionately picks up honey vessels, wax bottles, and royal jelly sachets.
“When I was a child, I would help my father and grandfather gather pollen, wax, and honey,” Sania recalls.
“They would sell these treasures in bulk, and in doing so, they carved a space for this work deep in my heart. It was then that I knew I had to join our family’s tradition, for my love and devotion to them, especially my grandfather, runs deep.”
"During the day, to protect myself from the bees' stings, I cover my head with a helmet and my hands with rubber gloves," she says.
Sania inspects a honeycomb frame in the apiary [ Pic: Basit Zagar]
"Carefully, I inspect each colony, one by one," she adds, approaching the hives with wide eyes.
Two local Kashmiri workers join her for cleansing and maintenance. "Teaching the duo about beekeeping is more than just a job; it’s about instilling values," Zehra says. "I pay each worker 15,000 rupees per month."
Sania wraps a beehive with a silver sheet. [Pic: Hashim Zakir]
“Beekeeping has taught me patience and persistence,” Sania reflects with a sober look.
“I have also found solace and simplicity in this occupation,” she explains calmly.
“Keeping bees is not just a job; for me, it’s a labor of love,” she says.
"I believe that if I remain focused and driven towards marketing responsibilities, I will soon expand my business into the import-export sector," she adds.
Sania mentions that the government is offering great support to help her grow her business. “For any assistance, I directly approach the Department of Agriculture and Farming in J&K, and they help me,” she says.
"The department not only subsidizes my interests but also keeps me informed about new government schemes that can benefit me."
She also sells honey jars at quaint counters placed in the saffron fields along the Lethpora Highway, where vehicles rush by beneath the autumn sun. With each sale, a smile lights up her face.
Additional Reporting By Hashim Zakir