Amit Godse, a mechanical engineer from Pune, gave up his software job to save honeybees. His company, Bee Basket, started in 2016, rescues and relocates bees instead of killing them. Today, Bee Basket earns an annual turnover of ₹65 lakh.
The Bee Rescue Story
In 2014, Amit saw a beehive being destroyed by pest control in his neighborhood. Seeing so many dead bees shocked him. He realized how important bees are for pollination and farming. Amit decided to save these tiny but vital creatures rather than let them be killed.
He traveled to remote areas and studied bees deeply. Unlike beekeepers who keep bees for honey, Amit aimed to rescue wild bees and safely relocate them. He learned by experience and trained himself in bee rescue.
How Bee Basket Works
Bee Basket receives calls from people who find bee hives near their homes or offices. Instead of using harmful chemicals, Amit and his team gently remove the hives and move them to open areas or farms. This helps farmers by supporting pollination naturally.
The business has a trained team of 9 rescuers. They use special protective gear and techniques depending on the bee species. Bee Basket has saved over 17,000 hives so far, protecting millions of bees.
Support and Recognition
The unique work of Bee Basket caught the attention of many, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amit was praised in the popular radio program Mann Ki Baat in 2025. The Maharashtra government also plans to promote bee rescue through workshops based on his model.
Affordable and Eco-Friendly
The cost to rescue bees is similar to pest control charges, between ₹1,500 to ₹3,000. Amit says his goal is to stop the common habit of killing bees and encourage people to choose relocation instead.
Bee Basket also sells honey, beeswax, and builds bee parks for education. Amit believes saving bees is crucial to protecting the environment and agriculture for future generations.
Challenges and Future Plans
Amit faces some challenges like urban impatience when bees linger nearby after rescue. Still, social media and word of mouth keep the demand growing. Amit aims to expand Bee Basket across Maharashtra to save every bee possible.