The Ismaili Council for Pakistan’s SEDP introduced beekeeping in 2022 as a pilot project in the remote rural valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, which offered a lifeline to people in the region. It didn't just provide the bees — it conducted comprehensive training sessions that transformed novices into beekeeping experts.
“The training significantly improved my understanding and included practical demonstrations on beekeeping dos and don'ts,” Shabi Noor said.
Participants in the training gained insights into bee population dynamics, identifying different bee species, recognising queen bees, and ensuring overall bee health. With newfound knowledge and enthusiasm, beneficiaries received their bee boxes and strategically placed them in the valley's unpolluted climate, perfect for bees' foraging activities.
As a result, local residents enjoyed an increase in both honey production and economic opportunities alike. Inspired by the success, the programme team expanded the project in 2023 to benefit more individuals.
To maximise gains, SEDP also stepped in to help beneficiaries transport their honey to the Shandur Polo Festival. With careful packaging and marketing, the honey made a positive impression at the festival and sold remarkably well. This effort not only boosted income for beneficiaries but also introduced the local community to the wonders of organic honey.
What makes this honey extra-special is its purity and organic certification. It's free from additives and comes from beehives managed without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or antibiotics. Bees collect nectar from untreated flowers, resulting in a more natural and eco-friendly product. Organic beekeeping practices prioritise the well-being of bees, their habitat, and the broader ecosystem.
It sometimes goes unnoticed that bees are essential for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Bee-pollinated crops tend to have higher yields and better-quality produce, which is especially important in the harsh mountainous climate of northern Pakistan. As such, their conservation and protection is crucial for the well-being of the planet and human society.
In a world increasingly conscious of healthier and sustainable choices, the market for organic honey is expanding. This region has experienced economic growth for beekeepers, while promoting ecological balance and providing consumers with a taste of nature's best. Things are now looking up in Gilgit-Baltistan. “I was unemployed and in debt,” said Shabi Noor. “I am now able to repay my loans, and look after my children and their education.”
The honey from these valleys isn't just sweet; it's a symbol of transformation and sustainable living.
