Gobinder Singh Randhawa originates from a farming family in Punjab's Landa village. Sardar Baldev Singh, the then village head, and Sardar Jagjit Singh Kapoor, the then village head, were his role models for their apiculture techniques in 2003.
Gobinder was so taken with the idea that he took a week-long course at Punjab Agriculture University and began beekeeping with two other pals. He further explains, "The idea sounded lucrative, so we got a loan of Rs 2.8 lakh for the business to acquire 120 honey boxes."
However, his two friends left the company soon when they realized it would not grow, leaving Gobinder to handle it alone. Apart from the initial setbacks, Gobinder encountered numerous obstacles, including selling his family's gold jewellery. But the risks were well worth it since his company now generates millions of dollars.
“In 2004, a Varroa mite illness spread among bees across Punjab,” Gobinder said of his voyage. Approximately 99 percent of the bees died as a result of the virus. Only a few frames of the bee colonies survived, and we lost the majority of the boxes. The loss was enormous.”
That’s when his friends dropped out. “One of my buddies went for Australia, while the other moved into another business,” he continues.
The 39-year-old claims he decided to keep going and received import and export licenses for honey in 2009. “However, business remained slow, and survival became tough. I was making Rs 20,000 in monthly sales, but the loans and interest were stacking up in the lakhs,” he explains.
Gobinder claims that he spent a significant amount of money opening his shop and has had less money for marketing and promotion. “Sales fell as a result, and I had to sell my family's gold jewellery a couple of times. However, the funds may only be utilized for loan repayments and debt reduction.”
Over time, his business grew, with more orders pouring in from the United States. “Exports began in 2012-13, and sales steadily climbed. I made more money,” he adds, adding that his items are in high demand in the United States, in addition to the home market. He is now concentrating his efforts on the European market.
He's also formed a network of over 310 farmers who he's mentored and assisted in the beekeeping industry.
Gobinder has assisted farmers like Narender Pal Singh. “In the last ten years, I've opened two honey shops after Gobinder informed me of significant profits. After deducting sales and other expenditures, I now earn Rs 35,000 per month in profits,” he says.
According to Gobinder, certain issues remain since farmers frequently spray pesticides near beehives, killing the bees. “Farmers have been made aware of this and have grown more sensitive over time. However, the losses continue since bee box thefts continue,” he adds.