"Buzzing Success: Ashok Sarangi's Green Legacy in Bee Farming"
In the heart of Jagatsinghpur, where paddy fields and betel leaf cultivation paint the landscape, a quiet revolution is underway - a testament to the eco-friendly buzz created by Ashok Sarangi, a visionary bee farmer. At the age of 64, Sarangi reflects on a remarkable journey spanning four decades, where he not only embraced the art of honey bee farming but also sowed the seeds of alternative livelihoods for nearly 120 individuals in his ancestral village of Balikani under the Erasama block.
Sarangi's passion for honey dates back to his childhood, a time when curiosity led him to the mango trees in his backyard, home to bee hives brimming with nature's golden elixir. With two clay pots and a bee hive collected from a mango tree, he embarked on a self-taught journey into honey beekeeping at the tender age of 15. His first harvest fueled his determination, propelling him into full-time beekeeping without any formal scientific training. "I learned everything by experimenting with beekeeping for many years," he humbly admits.
Beyond personal fulfillment, Sarangi envisioned a larger purpose for beekeeping, seeking to empower traditional cultivators by providing a secondary income through apiculture. Until 1999, he reaped the rewards of his efforts, harvesting two to three quintals of honey monthly, generating a steady income of at least ₹25,000. However, the super cyclone that struck Odisha that year wreaked havoc on Jagatsinghpur, affecting traditional crops and disrupting Sarangi's beekeeping routine.
Undeterred, Sarangi pivoted his focus to training villagers, unemployed youths, and women in apiculture, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of honey bee farming, including the production of honey, beeswax, pollen, bee venom, and other hive products. His efforts not only provided an alternative source of income but also contributed to biodiversity conservation, as honey bees play a pivotal role in pollination.
Despite the challenges, Sarangi's dedication shines through. He currently produces 80 kg of honey annually from 43 bee boxes, a testament to sustainable and mindful beekeeping practices. His impact extends beyond his village, with over 500 individuals across the state benefiting from his training. Recently, the Odisha University of Agriculture Technology (OUAT) recognized Sarangi for his outstanding contributions to honey production.
As we celebrate Ashok Sarangi's green legacy, we are reminded that small initiatives can create significant ripples, fostering sustainable practices and empowering communities. His story stands as an inspiration for those looking to make a positive impact on the environment and uplift the lives of those around them.
FAQ Addition: Q: What is Ashok Sarangi's contribution to bee farming and sustainability? A: Ashok Sarangi is a pioneering bee farmer who, for four decades, has championed honey bee farming in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha. His efforts have not only created an alternative livelihood for around 120 individuals in his village but have also contributed to biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices in beekeeping.
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