15:38 05.03.2026
At the crossroads of careers: How a reserve officer built a honey farm across hectares of Far Eastern land
© Courtesy of Sergei Surovtsev’s personal archive
Khabarovsk native Sergei Surovtsev was among the first participants in the Far Eastern Hectare program. In 2016, he submitted an application for land in the village of Kruglikovo, located about a half-hour drive from the regional center. By March of the following year, the Surovtsev family had already begun developing their plots.
Today, Sergei is working extensively to expand his family business on these plots, which includes beekeeping, the production of natural cosmetics, harvesting wild plants, and developing a tourism project. The Development of the Arctic and the Far Eastinformation resource highlights the government support programs he has used, his recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs, and his approach to learning beekeeping through educational materials.
After completing his military service, Sergei Surovtsev made a rather unusual career choice – he decided to independently master the craft of beekeeping.
The Khabarovskresident approached learning the details of his new profession with military-level discipline and thoroughness. He studied from textbooks and also turned to social media resources for additional knowledge, while experienced beekeepers shared their practical experience with him.
“I am grateful to my professional mentors who helped me acquire the necessary skills. I am also thankful to the people I work and create my products for – their support, loyalty and contribution have been essential to the development of my business. Basically, this is our shared foundation – mine and theirs,” he emphasizes.
The Surovtsev family household
To put his new knowledge into practice, Sergei decided to build a farm. The Far Eastern Hectare program proved useful, allowing him to obtain a land plot in the village of Kruglikovo in Lazo District.
The land plot of the Surovtsev family in the town of Kruglikovo in the Khabarovsk Territory
© Courtesy of Sergei Surovtsev’s personal archive
In March 2017, the Surovtsev family began developing their hectares. Alongside beekeeping, Sergei started harvesting herbs from the Far Eastern taiga, while his wife began producing natural body care products. Their four children – two daughters and two sons – also take part in helping with the farm work.
“I told my sons from the very beginning: ‘I don’t expect you to become beekeepers, but I will help you develop strong practical skills that will be useful in any field,’” he says.
The business gradually expanded, and the plots now include a moss-insulated bee house for wintering bees, a honeycomb storage facility, a drying room, a carpentry workshop, and a bathhouse – altogether about 260 square meters of farm structures.
Produce from Sergei Surovtsev’s apiary
© Courtesy of Sergei Surovtsev’s personal archive
Sergei officially became the owner of the plots in January 2022. The entrepreneur also noted the supportive attitude and assistance with documentation provided by the district administration.
“In what other country in the world can you acquire a vast, beautiful forest area, make it your home, and work on this land?” he remarks.
The Surovtsev family has benefited from government support twice – first to develop their apiary and later to build a home. On the first occasion, Sergei sought assistance from a specialist with the paperwork, successfully obtaining a grant to expand his beekeeping operation. He used the 1.5 million rubles in funding to purchase equipment and necessary materials.
Obtaining funds for home construction proved even faster: the family prepared the required documents, submitted their application, and soon received approval for support. The house has since been registered with the cadastral authorities, officially recognized as a place of residence, and the property shares have been distributed.
“Now this is our family home. Father built it, and the children are already developing – or will develop over time – a love for nature and a connection with the land,” he says.
From beekeeping to the EEF
Sergei believes that beekeeping is a craft that combines a range of professional skills. After beginning to develop his apiary, the entrepreneur encountered a challenge – expanding production is a difficult task that requires the right team. He carefully selects his assistants, preferring people who genuinely value the craft.
“In terms of professional skills, beekeeping is more of a vocation than just work. That is why it is often taken up by older people, such as those who have completed military service. Those who were involved in helping their family members at apiaries during their childhood also tend to return to beekeeping later in life,” Surovtsev explains.
Over the time of operating his farm, Sergei began showcasing his products at various retail events, including major regional fairs, the Days of the Far East in Moscow, and even the Eastern Economic Forum.
Produce from Sergei Surovtsev’s apiary
© Courtesy of Sergei Surovtsev’s personal archive
Eventually, the entrepreneur opened a retail store in Khabarovsk. Some customers became so fond of Sergei’s products that they now travel from the city to Kruglikovo specifically to restock their honey supplies.
“The kind of spark people love”
Sergei also follows a personal work philosophy, believing that running one’s own business should provide not only income but also personal fulfillment.
“I am happy because I have inner energy – a kind of spark that people love. They notice it when I sell my products at fairs, for example. It’s a natural energy that comes from within,” the entrepreneur says.
Sergei advises aspiring entrepreneurs to start their businesses with the right mindset and thorough planning. He emphasizes the importance of carefully weighing not only the appealing aspects of entrepreneurship but also the possible challenges.
“I have often seen young people put a great deal of energy into starting a business, thinking they will simply enjoy the process without much effort. However, that approach is actually counterproductive,” he believes.
Sergei Surovtsev conducts a guided tour of his apiary
© Courtesy of Sergei Surovtsev’s personal archive
Sergei supports his words with his own example; he does not rest on his achievements. At the moment, the entrepreneur is working to complete the construction of a tourist lodge on the lakeshore. His plans for the future include holding children’s master classes and thematic seminars at the site.
