Ram Kishore Yadav’s journey from unemployment to becoming a successful agripreneur stands as a powerful testament to the impact of determination and knowledge. Born in Sorwa village, Kotputli-Behror district, Rajasthan, Ram Kishore faced the harsh reality of unemployment after completing his education. Despite trying various odd jobs, none offered him lasting stability or fulfillment. While his father, a school teacher, hoped he would secure a respectable government or private sector job, Ram Kishore dreamed of forging his own path.
In 2002, a life-changing moment arrived when he read an article in an entrepreneurship magazine about beekeeping, highlighting its economic potential and scientific intricacies. Inspired, he embraced beekeeping not just as a business opportunity but as a transformative way of life.
Growth and Development of 'Shahadwale'
He slowly increased the number of bee boxes through regular hard work and experience. In due course of time, he began operating the business on his own. Ram Kishore currently possesses more than 1250 bee boxes and operates in several states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. He operates on the migratory model of beekeeping, shifting the hives to other regions based on seasonal flower blooms.
He breeds the species of Apis mellifera, famous for their docile nature and good honey production. One box yields 30–40 kg of honey every year, and he extracts 10–12 varieties like mustard, jamun, litchi, plum, basil, and very much sought-after multiflora honey.
He sells these under his own label 'Shahadwale', which has gained a reputation for natural and pure honey. His focus on quality, eye-catching packaging, and both online and offline distribution has popularized his honey products among buyers.
Earnings and Employment Generation
Initially, it was a small venture but now with an annual turnover of Rs. 2.5 crore, and a net profit of Rs. 20–25 lakh annually became a big one. Besides his own success, Ram Kishore has also turned out to be a provider of employment in his village. He employs various local employees on a regular basis, particularly during harvesting and packaging seasons, thereby creating rural jobs.
He grows Rabi and Kharif crops such as wheat, bajra (millet), and sesame, and has grown approximately 150 Amla trees on his 21 bigha of land. This combination of beekeeping and agriculture does not only provide the bees with natural sources of pollen but also increases total farm revenue.
Recognition and Role in GFBN
Ram Kishore Yadav has recently joined the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), an initiative by Krishi Jagran. This platform identifies and promotes sustainable agricultural entrepreneurs across India. His inclusion in GFBN marks recognition of his contribution to eco-friendly and profitable farming models.
His work has been widely appreciated in agri exhibitions, farmer fairs, and local government platforms. He actively participates in various agri expos, sharing his knowledge and experience with new beekeepers, and becoming a mentor figure for many.
Farmer-Friendly Tips and Wisdom
Ram Kishore highlights that beekeeping is a low-cost, high-gain business, very much compatible with small and marginal farmers. He offers easy but useful tips for profitable beekeeping:
-
Save for off-seasons to keep the business cycle intact.
-
Install boxes on elevated platforms during monsoon to avoid waterlogging.
-
Install shade during summer and sun in winters to regulate hive temperature.
-
Deal with pest or disease infestation in bee colonies promptly.
He urges young farmers not to be intimidated by humble beginnings. To him, the secret is consistency, good learning, and responding to the requirements of the market.
Spreading Sweetness Through Self-Reliance
Ram Kishore's achievement is not just in terms of income. He has emerged as a role model of rural self-sufficiency, demonstrating that jobs can be generated by youth and not sought. His message is simple — "No work is small. If done honestly and dedicatedly, even a bee can generate prosperity."
His Life's Journey — from reading an article to becoming a Rs. 2.5 crore entrepreneur — is an ideal of how information, training, and hard work can yield revolutionary change. His brand 'Shahadwale' is not only a honey tag, but also a tale of grit, upsurge, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
The life of Ram Kishore Yadav demonstrates the untapped potential of agriculture and related pursuits like beekeeping. His model provides useful advice and a glimmer of hope for young people in rural areas seeking self-employment. One can support society and the environment while making a good living with little more than land, a strong will, and careful planning. His tale is a wonderful source of inspiration for everyone.
Note: Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) is a dynamic platform where agricultural professionals—farmer entrepreneurs, innovators, buyers, investors, and policymakers - converge to share knowledge, experiences, and scale their businesses. Powered by Krishi Jagran, GFBN facilitates meaningful connections and collaborative learning opportunities that drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development through shared expertise. Join GFBN today: https://millionairefarmer.in/gfbn
