Training Program for Tribal Entrepreneurs from Idukki District on Bee-Keeping
Under Tribal Sub Plan, the three-day offline training program was conducted at RARS (SZ), College of Agriculture, Vellayani from 27.09.2022 to 29.09.2022 with selected twenty trainees of Kozhiyalakudy, and Chokramudikudi tribal settlements of Idukki district for empowering them with beekeeping.
The training session was inaugurated under the chair of Dr. Anith K. N., Associate Director of Research, RARS (SZ), Vellayani. Dr. Amritha.V. S., Professor and PI (AICRP on Honey bees), handled the sessions on basic aspects of beekeeping, and seasonal management practices of Indian bee colonies. The trainees were oriented with different types of hives and beekeeping-related equipment by Dr. Vijayasree V. Experience sharing by Sri. R. S. Gopakumar, bee breeder on the management of stingless bees was very much useful. Practical classes on management practices of Indian bee colonies, hiving of stingless bee feral colonies, and value addition of honey and beeswax were also taken. ISI bee hives and allied bee appliances were provided during the valedictory function. The honey will provide them an additional income for their livelihood. The trainees were very much eager to know the scientific management practices of Indian honey bees and stingless bees during different seasons and were highly motivated to start their own apiary units after this program. This program imparted scientific training and thus could provide a livelihood for indigenous tribal groups to earn a permanent income through beekeeping and hive-based value-added products.
