Monitoring Desk
JALALABAD: A widow apiculturist from eastern Nangarhar province, besides overcoming her economic woes, has offered employment opportunities for several men.
Sherino — hailing from the Sawakai district of neighbouring Kunar province — lost her husband soon after their marriage. She remained alone for some time before giving birth to a son.
The 50-year-old, refusing to tie the knot again, has a mission: Preventing widows from begging and demonstrating that they are capable of coping with all privations and measuring up to all challenges.
In an exclusive interview, Sherino told Pajhwok Afghan News her only son, 25, was married and has six children, In addition to supporting his son’s family; she has employed some men as well.
Twenty-five years ago, her husband served as a military officer. He laid down his life in defence of his motherland. Eight years back, she was given eight bees boxes by an organisation called IDEA NEW. This marked a turning point in her life — an epitome of struggle.
“In spring, when flowers bloom aplenty, our honey production also surges. We collect approximately 600 kilograms of honey in this season. In fall, the production falls and one kilograms of honey is sold for 250 afghanis.”
She launched her beekeeping business by installing eight boxes initially. But now the number of bee boxes has gone up to 55 and she has appointed three trainers in Batikot district.
Sherino promised appointing more workers if her business picked up. She said efforts were underway to boost the number of bees to reduce unemployment.
She added her product was more pure and natural, selling like hot cakes in the market. “I have grown in confidence as many people come to my home to buy honey. I also send some of the honey to shops, though our production level isn’t that high.”
She has no equipment to process the honey properly. As a consequence, she has to process and pack it manually. If donor agencies and the government help them with processing and packing equipment, their will become easier and people would get jobs.
