Tribals in Trimbakeshwar taluka who have been going around the jungles and collecting honey which they consume and sell for a living now have a different identity – that of honey producers.
Thanks to Khadi Village Industries Board (KVIB) and Zilla Parishad authorities, dwellers of little-known Chakore village in Trimbakeshwar, located 5 km off main Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Road, have now received support to upgrade their knowledge and skills related to beekeeping.
Ambadas Lilke, one of the villagers, said, "We follow traditional practices of collecting honey. We go around in groups in the jungle, look for honeycombs, mark their current status, and wait for their maturity. Thereafter, we use smoke and other things to drive out honeybees and take the honeycomb. The quantum is less and usually used for consumption."
Besides paddy, the farmers are engaged in producing vegetables at other times of the year. The villagers also work as farm labourers in grape farms in neighbouring villages during kharif season.
The officials pointed out that Chakore village is secluded and full of natural resources.
The farmers in the region do not use pesticide or even fertilizer, as a result of which the produce is of top quality. This is an ideal condition for honeybees. Needless to say, the honeybees also help in pollination, which increases food produce and quality, whether it is paddy or any other crop.
"These are the factors that have attracted the attention of the KVIB to select Chakore for promotion of beekeeping," said Sudhir Kenjale, district village industries officer.
The villagers will be given training in scientific ways of beekeeping so that they draw produce at regular intervals. They will also receive training in improving quality of honey.
KVIB has decided to set up a laboratory for producing good quality honey and a sales centre.
The state govt has already announced MSP for honey at Rs 500 per kg, and this will ensure the producers get good returns.
"The other advantage the farmers have is that they can call beekeepers during pollination to promote flowering that leads to fruiting and better yield. This is can happen any time except the rainy season," said Vasant Chaudhary, an inspector.
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- One honey-bee box has seven honeycombs
- Beneficiary villagers will be trained for the process
- Processing unit along with laboratory for quality control will be raised in the village
- Govt funds for raising infrastructure
- 50 honey-bee boxes to be given to the village initially
- One kit includes 10 boxes, smoker, honey extractor, protective gear and equipment at a cost of 70,000
- Individual from the village will get a kit at payment of 10% of the cost
- No production during the rainy season
- Sateri bees, an indigenous one, produce up to 10 kg per box
- Mellifera, a European one, produces up to 30 kg per box
- Aim is to increase pollination for better crops
