Surat Beekeeper Produces 35 Tons of Honey Annually

Surat, Gujarat  – From polishing diamonds to harvesting nature’s golden nectar, 45-year-old Vinodbhai Ramjibhai Nakum has redefined success in the most organic way. Originally from Nana-Asrana village in Bhavnagar and now settled in Surat’s Dabholi area, Vinodbhai has emerged as a leading beekeeper in Gujarat, producing over 35 tons of honey annually through his operations in Umbhel village of Kamrej taluka.

His journey began in 2011 during a visit to Haryana where a beekeeping center inspired him to take a leap of faith. “When I left the diamond trade and started with just 25 bee boxes, people called me foolish. But I kept going. Today, I manage over 1,100 boxes,” Vinodbhai told reporters, standing proudly at his honey cultivation center.

In 2019, he co-founded Shri Arpit Organic Company and also set up Narmada-Surat Honey Producer Company Ltd., a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). With seasonal honey made from crops like coriander, fennel, and sesame, his enterprise earns nearly ₹30 lakh annually. Italian bees, introduced in the boxes, produce honey within 20–22 days, which is then processed and packaged at the in-house center.

His passion goes beyond just profit. Vinodbhai has trained 180 Sakhi Mandals and over 1,500 farmers across nine districts including Surat, Bharuch, Narmada, and Kutch. “Beekeeping is not just about honey. Bees are vital for agriculture and ecology. They increase crop yield by helping in pollination,” he emphasized.

In collaboration with DRDO, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, the Horticulture Department, and Khadi Gram Udyog, Vinodbhai also offers technical guidance and startup assistance under government schemes. “Many women and farmers I trained are now running their own honey businesses. I consider that my biggest achievement,” he said.

This transformation story gains significance as World Bee Day is celebrated globally on May 20 to raise awareness about bees’ essential role in biodiversity and agriculture. The day also commemorates Anton Jansa, the pioneer of modern beekeeping, born on May 20, 1734, in Slovenia.

Experts in the agriculture sector have lauded Vinodbhai’s contributions. “His work is a classic example of how one individual’s commitment to nature can impact thousands,” said a senior officer from the Gujarat Horticulture Department.