From 1 Lakh to 30 Lakhs: How a Himachal Beekeeper’s Sweet Dream Came True
Una’s Anubhav Sood Turns Passion into Profit, Inspires Youth with ‘Pahadi Shahad’ Success Story
What began as a small experiment with just 25 bee boxes has now grown into a thriving business, proving that with the right support and hard work, even the sweetest dreams can become reality.
In the quiet village of Ambota, Una, a young man’s determination and a government scheme’s timely support have brewed an inspiring success story. Anubhav Sood, a 30-something beekeeper, never imagined that his mother’s advice and a modest investment of ₹1 lakh would one day turn into an annual turnover of ₹30 lakh.
Today, his brand Pahadi Shahad (Mountain Honey) is not just a local favorite but is making waves across state borders, with unique varieties like Black Forest, Kesar, and Multi-Flora Honey winning customers’ hearts.
A Mother’s Nudge, a Son’s Leap of Faith
Anubhav credits his mother, Nisha Sood, for pushing him towards beekeeping. “She was already into food processing, and when I expressed interest, she encouraged me to take it seriously,” he recalls. With training from Nauni University and Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University, he took his first step under the Chief Minister Madhu Vikas Yojana, which subsidized 80% of his initial costs.
The first year’s earnings—₹48,000—might not have been staggering, but it was enough to fuel his ambition. A ₹10 lakh loan under the PM Employment Generation Programme helped him scale up, and today, his apiary boasts 300 bee boxes, producing 10,000 kg of honey annually.
Beyond Honey: A Business with a Buzz
What sets Anubhav’s honey apart? Seasonal migration of bees. By moving his colonies between Himachal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, he ensures diverse floral sources, resulting in distinct flavors—from the rich Black Diamond to the delicate Akasia Honey.
All his products are FSSAI-certified, priced between ₹500–₹1,200 per kg, and sold through local outlets in Tattapani and Theog, as well as at state and national fairs.
But his success isn’t just about profits. He has employed 10 local youth and now trains aspiring beekeepers, sharing his knowledge as a certified trainer from the National Academy of Rudseti, Bengaluru.
Officials Applaud, Encourage More Youth
Dr. K.K. Bhardwaj, Una’s Deputy Horticulture Director, highlights how the Madhu Vikas Yojana supports farmers with subsidies on equipment, bee boxes, and migration costs. “Beekeeping isn’t just about honey—it’s a sustainable livelihood with multiple revenue streams,” he says.
Una’s Deputy Commissioner, Jatin Lal, calls the scheme a “golden opportunity” for rural youth. “Anubhav’s journey proves that with passion and government support, self-employment can be both fulfilling and profitable.”
The Sweetest Takeaway?
Anubhav’s story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about resilience, innovation, and community impact. As Pahadi Shahad reaches new markets, his message to young entrepreneurs is clear:
“Start small, dream big, and let your hard work create the buzz.”
