THE INITIATIVE

• Encouragement of beekeeping as a livelihood option

THE BENEFICIARIES

• Farmers and villagers of Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh

THE CHALLENGE

• Excessive use of chemicals in horticulture and agriculture which were harmful for bees
• Drastic reduction in the population of local Apis Cerana breed of honey bees
• Decrease in the number of bees, the best source of pollination, adversely affecting fruit production

THE SOLUTION

• NABARD sanctioned an assistance of ? 9.95 lakh to the Regional Horticulture Research Centre, Bajaura for promotion of fixed beehive for bee rearing
• Progressive farmers identified and nominated to monitor the progress of the project
• Awareness & training camps held to improve knowledge about permanent beehives and the role of bees in agriculture
• Traditional homes with permanent beehives replaced with cemented houses
• 50 fixed beehives sanctioned to be installed on farms every year

THE IMPACT

• Up to 250% increase in fruit production in the orchards of project beneficiaries
• Farmers earn ? 400-500 per kg from honey produced by Apis Cerana and R700 per bee box by giving them on rent to orchardists for pollination purposes
• Increase in income andbetter lifestyle for farmers