Farmer! The very name forms an image of resilience and hard work. Farmers are the backbone of our society, working tirelessly in all weather conditions. Beyond traditional agriculture, farmers today are also venturing into animal husbandry, fishery, and beekeeping. Women farmers, in particular, are involved in multiple roles, balancing family responsibilities with their agricultural practices. Today, we bring you the inspiring story of Bibi Amarjit Kaur Chandi, a progressive woman farmer who has transformed her life and the lives of many others through her dedication and innovation.
The Journey of Amarjit Kaur Chandi
The journey of Amarjit Kaur Chandi began when she married into the Chandi family in 1993, settling in Boolpur village, Kapurthala district, Punjab. The Chandis had been engaged in agriculture for generations but were not generating adequate profit. Meanwhile, Amarjit, holding a postgraduate degree in music, faced limited employment opportunities in her field.
Despite these challenges, Amarjit began exploring ways to make their agricultural practices more profitable. Recognizing the potential in beekeeping, she decided to establish her own beekeeping farm, named Chandi Farm, to capitalize on the family's existing agricultural infrastructure.
Entering the World of Beekeeping
With this vision in mind, in March 1995, Amarjit took her first step into the world of beekeeping. "At first, I was nervous to start something new, but with my husband’s support, I took a leap of faith and started learning about beekeeping through various training programs organized by KVK, Kapurthala and by April of 1995, I established my beekeeping business initially with 50 colonies," recalls Amarjit. She chose beekeeping because the Chandi family was already engaged in sunflower and mustard cultivation, providing an ideal environment for beekeeping.
In 2013, Amarjit installed Honey Processing Plant technology at Punjab Agricultural University, significantly enhancing the quality and marketability of their honey. She and her husband, Suptani S. Sarwan Singh Chandi also received specialized training in queen bee making, propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen, sharing their knowledge with other farmers to help them increase their income.
Today, their beekeeping venture has grown to an impressive 400 colonies. The family transports their colonies to nearby provinces during local flowering gaps, ensuring continuous honey production.
Forming Self-Help Groups
Amarjit’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond beekeeping. In 1996, she founded the self-help group Chandi Udyog Samiti, followed by another self-help group, Bebe Nanki, in 2005. These groups provided employment opportunities for many in need. Amarjit emphasizes, "Creating self-help groups was more than just business. It was about building community, providing employment, and mutual support."
Following the establishment of her first SHG in 1996, Amarjit diversified her business by receiving training in pickle making from Krishi Vigyan Kendra. This led to the production and sale of pickles, chutneys, turmeric powder, and raw turmeric, further boosting their income.
Sustainable Practices and Achievements
The Chandi family is committed to sustainable farming practices, implementing a plastic pipeline for efficient water use and adopting modern technology tools to manage crop residue without burning, supported by government subsidies. Their efforts to protect the environment and maintain soil health have been commendable.
Recognitions and Awards
Amarjit's contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Chief Minister's Award at the Kisan Mela held at Punjab Agricultural University in March 2008 and the 'Mahila Kisan Award' by DD Kisan Channel in New Delhi in November 2018.
Training and Community Impact
To date, Amarjit and her husband have trained nearly 900 farmers from Punjab and other states in beekeeping and related activities. "Training farmers has been one of our most rewarding achievements. Knowledge should be shared to uplift everyone in the community," says Amarjit. They have also organized approximately 600 Kisan Goshtis and training camps in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala, and the Agriculture Department.
Bibi Amarjit Kaur Chandi’s story serves as a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have on their community and beyond. Her dedication to agriculture, innovation, and sustainability continues to inspire many, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Source: Krishi Jagran