MAPUSA: Who says government jobs are the only path to a secure future? There are plenty of other career options out there, just waiting to be explored! Take beekeeping, for example, a lucrative business venture that has been buzzing under the radar for far too long.
Melvin and Carmeline Desouza from Peddem, Mapusa, are living proof of the potential in beekeeping. Starting with just 10 boxes, they’ve managed to multiply their beehives to 25-30 boxes within a year. According to Melvin, “Beekeeping is a very good business option for farmers who have enough space at their house. The farmers do not have to pay constant attention to the bees, and can easily earn thousands.”
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Honey, the sweet reward of beekeeping, is not only delicious but also has medicinal properties for both children and adults. Melvin encourages anyone interested in this buzzing industry to take advantage of the government’s subsidies, which can cover up to 90% of costs.
Melvin and Carmeline have been in the beekeeping game for over a decade and even offer free training workshops for aspiring farmers. Over 300 farmers have already been trained by them, and now earn their own money by selling honey and beeswax in local markets. Recently, Melvin conducted a 10-day workshop for 10 farmers under a government scheme for beekeeping, organised by Goa Khadi and Village Industries Commission at his own home in Peddem.
Interested in starting your own beekeeping business? It’s easy as honey, according to Melvin. The initial investment required is around Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000, and the best time to start is from November onwards. And if you’re willing to put in the work, the rewards can be as sweet as ₹1 lakh in profits per month.
