Opinion | The Inspiring Journey of Kashmir’s “Bee Queen” – Sania Zehra

Amid the verdant valleys of Kashmir, a powerful story of courage and entrepreneurship is unfolding. Just 20 years old, Sania Zehra a young woman from the outskirts of Srinagar is breaking gender stereotypes by successfully carving her space in the male-dominated world of beekeeping

A resident of the Balhama area, Sania was introduced to beekeeping at a very young age. She would closely observe her father working on his bee farm. Like most young girls, she initially feared bee stings and would push the bees away whenever they got too close. But over time, this fear transformed into curiosity, admiration, and respect for the tiny creatures planting the seeds of what would later become her profession. One day sania proposed to her family that she want to have her independent venture and want to have her own name in the bussiness field then her father became her mentor and guide. With strong support from her parents, Sania stepped into a field that was traditionally considered a male domain.

“Initially, I worked with my father,” she recalls. “Then I decided to start on my own with 35 colonies, supported by an 80% government subsidy. I received Rupees 1.12 lakh for setting up 35 colonies and used the money to expand further.”

In just four years, Sania’s hard work and dedication turned her into a highly successful beekeeper. She now manages over 650 colonies, producing organic honey that she sells both locally and internationally. Saniya is considered the first girl in Kashmir to formally take up beekeeping, earning her the title Bee Queen of Kashmir. “Earlier, I used to be very afraid of bee stings,” she says with a smile. “Now the sting motivates me it keeps me dedicated and pushes me to do more.”

One of the toughest aspects of beekeeping is the annual winter migration. As Kashmir’s cold climate halts honey production, the colonies must be shifted to warmer regions.

“Migration is the hardest phase,” Sania explains. “We moved our colonies to Ganganagar in Rajasthan during winter. The climate and flora there are perfect for honey production.” Saniya stays in Rajasthan during these months, while her father and brother also help manage the bees. Unlike many beekeepers, Saniya chose not to depend on middlemen after realising they adulterated her honey. “I started marketing and selling the honey myself. Now I sell in Kashmir, across India, and even abroad,”

Her entrepreneurial ability shines through her diversification into multiple bee products. “I also produce pollen green and royal jelly. Each product has its own market and uses. Diversifying helps generate multiple income streams and increases profitability,” she explains.

Through her thriving enterprise, Sania is also creating employment opportunities for local people. Her remarkable journey has become a source of inspiration for many especially young girls proving that with determination and passion, no dream is too big. While talking to Sania, she mentions that he chose this business right after qualifying for 10th grade. She also knows martial arts, different English accents, and is very interested in medicine. She mentions that honey has a special mention in religion islam and is considered to be the cure for most diseases that is also what attracts her to its farming. The honey has different varieties and gradings that depends on the quality of nectar bees collect. If the environment is clean and pure, the nectar indeed is going to be pure impacting the quality of honey.

In Kashmir, choosing male-dominated professions was long considered unrealistic, almost unimaginable for women. Social expectations confined them to narrowly defined roles, and ambition beyond those boundaries was often discouraged. Today, however, Kashmiri women are stepping into these professions with confidence and, in many cases, taking the lead. Their success stories reflect not only achievement, but endurance. Behind every milestone lie hidden hurdles, resistance from families, societal scrutiny, and constant judgment from those uncomfortable with change.

Women are often “titled” or singled out for doing what men have done unquestioned for generations because their success challenges deeply rooted power structures. Unlike men, women must cross multiple barriers to reach the same point, proving competence, defending choices, and carrying the burden of representation. Yet, they do more than merely arrive. They sustain their position, maintain the throne, and work to expand it for others. In doing so, Kashmiri women are not just breaking barriers; they are redefining leadership, resilience, and success across every field they enter.

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