Pulwama, Mar 07 : NazimNazir, the proprietor of Al Nahl Producer Company Limited, a thriving Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) in Pulwama, Kashmir, realised a dream as he interacted with Prime Minister NarendraModi and fulfilled his wish of taking a selfie with him.
The interaction unfolded during a public rally at Bakshi Stadium, where Nazim recounted his inspiring journey from rooftop beekeeping to establishing a successful honey venture.
Nazim shared with Rising Kashmir that his journey commenced during his 10th-grade studies when he embarked on beekeeping with just two boxes of beehives on the rooftop of his Samboora village house in Pulwama.
Through years of dedication and hard work, his enterprise burgeoned, with the addition of 25 more boxes by 2018. Selling honey in plastic bottles, Nazim managed to amass ₹60,000, which further fuelled his ambitions.
Buoyed by his initial success, Nazim applied for support under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and secured a subsidized loan to expand his venture.
With guidance and support from the Department of Agriculture Production and Farmer Welfare Kashmir, and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in Pampore, Nazim transformed his individual enterprise into the FPO named Al Nahl Producer Company Limited.
Reflecting on his journey, Nazim expressed gratitude for the support he received from various government agencies, particularly highlighting his visit to KVIC Pampore in 2023 where he took a selfie with the portrait of Prime Minister NarendraModi, expressing his desire to meet him someday.
The long-awaited moment finally arrived as Nazim had the opportunity to meet PM Modi in person during his address to a public rally in Srinagar. Overwhelmed with joy, Nazim requested a selfie with the Prime Minister, which was graciously accepted.
Following the interaction, PM Modi took to social media to praise Nazim’s commendable work and extend his best wishes for his future endeavours. In response to PM Modi’s tweet, Nazim expressed his gratitude and determination to make Al Nahl Honey the leading honey brand in the country.
Despite the challenges and struggles along the way, Nazim’s FPO now produces 5000 to 7000 kilograms of pure organic honey annually, a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Around 100 beekeepers are associated with his FPO.
