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Patna, Nov 5 (IANS) Sanjay Chaudhary, known as the ‘Honey Man’ of Bhagalpur, is attracting the attention of fellow villagers as well as the authorities due to his highly successful honey venture. Choudhary, a resident of Amarpur village of Bihpur block of Naugachia region, is earning an annual income of Rs 6 crore from honey production.
Recently, the Honey Man was visited by a distinguished guest, Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, who not only visited his house but also tasted his organic honey.
Speaking to IANS, Sanjay Chaudhary said that he availed the benefits of the government welfare program called ‘Krishi Vaigyanik Aapke Dwar’.
He took a loan of Rs 50,000 from Central Agricultural Cooperative Societies (KCC) and placed 50 boxes in the litchi orchard for honey production. When his interest in honey production increased and he saw the income, he took a step forward and took training for it.
He found a mentor in the form of agricultural scientist Ramashish Singh. Dr. Mewalal Chaudhary, the then Vice Chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University, provided him financial assistance. He also tutored him and taught him techniques.
His mentor Ramashish Singh advised him to become an employer.
Today Sanjay Chaudhary’s annual income is Rs 6 crore and he is employing 30 people.
“As my income increased and people became more aware of it, I became a beekeeping instructor and provided training at Krishi Vigyan Kendras in 38 districts of Bihar,” he said.
“Later, when the Nitish Kumar government launched the agriculture road map in 2008, I was singled out as a progressive farmer. My motivation kept growing,” he said.
Sanjay Chaudhary claims that Bihar has become the second largest producer of honey.
Minister of State Sanjay Seth praised the determination and perseverance of honey farmers like him and said that the environment is favorable for others to try their hand in the honey making business.
–IANS
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