Our History

Our History

The RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP HUB (REH) Overview

Mission: To revitalize the rural economy through industrial cooperatives and empower youth in rural and semi-urban Bengal by promoting entrepreneurship.

Government Priorities: The Bengal government, particularly the Department of MSME, prioritizes rural entrepreneurship to stimulate large-scale employment and meaningfully engage youth. The focus is on establishing micro and small enterprises across Bengal, with special emphasis on local characteristics, benefiting women and youth.

REH Structure: REH is envisioned as a cooperative with many members, primarily focused on economic activities that foster entrepreneurship among local youth. It differs from traditional cooperatives by enabling the development of micro and small enterprises to meet local demand.

Industrial Co-operative Mode: Forming REH in this mode aims to harness individual talents and mobilize entrepreneurial youth around viable economic activities, particularly through the cooperative model.

Agro Business Cluster Development: Bengal’s rich agricultural resources (agri, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries) support REH cooperatives focused on agro-business clusters. Entrepreneurs can form REH cooperatives based on district-specific resources.

Government Support for REH Members

Soft Interventions:

  • Training programs and capacity building
  • Marketing assistance

Hard Interventions:

  • Provision of tools, machinery, and equipment
  • Establishment of Common Facility Centers (CFC) and Common Production Centers (CPC)

Commitment to Authentic, High-Quality Honey

Diverse Honey Varieties

At Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Society Limited, we take pride in offering a wide range of honey varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile and health benefits. Our honey is a true reflection of the diverse flora in Bengal, and we are committed to delivering pure, raw, and high-quality honey.

Here are some of our signature varieties:

  • Sundarban Honey: Harvested near the world’s only mangrove forest, it has a distinct and rich taste.
  • Mustard Honey: A golden honey with a mild, floral flavor that’s both soothing and delicious.
  • Litchi Honey: Sweet and fruity, capturing the essence of fresh litchi blossoms.
  • Coriander Honey: Light and refreshing, with a subtle herbal flavor perfect for health-conscious consumers.
  • Eucalyptus Honey: A delicate honey with a calming, herbal note, ideal for soothing the throat.
  • Sesame Honey: Rich in antioxidants, with a smooth and nutty taste.

Each jar of our honey is a testament to the beauty and bounty of Bengal’s flora.

Sustainable & Ethical Production

We are committed to sustainability and ethical practices in every step of our honey production process. We believe in protecting the environment while supporting local communities.

Here’s how we ensure our production is both sustainable and ethical:

  • Eco-friendly Beekeeping: We prioritize natural beekeeping methods that protect the ecosystem and help preserve biodiversity.
  • Sustainable Harvesting: We harvest honey in a way that supports the long-term health of our bee colonies, ensuring they continue to thrive and pollinate.
  • Fair Wages & Community Empowerment: Our cooperative model ensures fair wages and better livelihoods for local beekeepers, especially youth and women.
  • Minimal Environmental Impact: We minimize waste and use sustainable packaging materials to reduce our carbon footprint.

By choosing our honey, you’re supporting a greener planet and empowering local communities.

Government and Community Support

Public-Private Partnership Model

Our success story is built on strong public-private partnerships, with crucial support from both local and Government of West Bengal, Government of India initiatives. This collaboration has been instrumental in empowering our cooperative and driving our growth.

Here’s how government initiatives have helped us thrive:

  • MSME Support: Through the Department of MSME, we’ve received essential training programs, capacity building workshops, and marketing assistance, which have greatly enhanced our operations.
  • Skill Development & Resources: Local government initiatives have supported us with tools, machinery, and equipment, enabling us to improve production and expand our reach.
  • Infrastructure Support: The government has assisted in setting up Common Facility Centers (CFC) and Common Production Centers (CPC), helping us streamline our processes and improve efficiency.
  • Empowering Local Youth: The government has focused on empowering youth and women, providing opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods and fostering rural entrepreneurship.

Together, with the support of government programs and our cooperative spirit, we’re building a sustainable future for the local community.

Community Impact: Empowering Local Beekeepers

The true heart of our success lies in the local beekeepers who have benefited greatly from joining our cooperative. Here are their inspiring stories of transformation:

  • Access to Training: Local beekeepers have received comprehensive training in modern beekeeping practices, improving their skills and knowledge to produce higher-quality honey. This has enabled them to become more efficient and sustainable in their work.
  • Better Tools & Equipment: With the support of the cooperative, many beekeepers now have advanced tools and machinery that enhance their productivity, reduce labor, and ensure top-notch honey production.
  • Market Opportunities: The cooperative has opened up new markets for local honey, allowing beekeepers to sell their products to larger brands and consumers. This has directly improved their incomes and created a stable livelihood for their families.

These success stories are just a glimpse of the positive impact that our cooperative has had on local beekeepers. By coming together, we have empowered them to thrive, grow, and succeed.

The Journey of Sweet Success

Community Impact: Empowering Local Beekeepers

  • Unorganized Beekeepers: Bringing together scattered, small-scale beekeepers into a united cooperative.
  • Pandemic Struggles: COVID-19 disrupted lives, causing financial hardship and uncertainty.
  • Building from Scratch: Establishing a robust infrastructure for honey processing and marketing.
  • Gaining Trust: Convincing farmers to join hands and adopt modern practices.
  • Market Competition: Competing with established brands in a competitive honey market.

Triumphs We Celebrate

  • Unmatched Purity: Delivering raw and processed honey, winning hearts across India.
  • Sustainable Growth: Empowering rural communities while promoting eco-friendly practices.
  • Community Unity: Over 1,000 metric tons of honey annually, thanks to the strength of our cooperative.
  • Trusted by Brands: Supplying natural honey to India’s leading companies.
  • Rural Transformation: Creating livelihood opportunities for hundreds in North 24 Parganas.

From challenges to sweet triumphs, Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Society Limited progresses every day!