Bee Farming or apiculture is not something that is new. The extraction of honey through farming has been mentioned in the ancient Vedas and Buddhist writings. In India, ‘Khadi’ and village industries have started promoting apiculture since 1953 and the same was taken over by ‘khadi’ and village industries commission from 1957.

In olden times, the framers used to have a misconception that honey bees reduce the yield of their crops and thus were not allowing apiculture or allowing bee colonies in their farms. Scientific research has proved that honey bees not only make honey but also help in cross-pollination which can increase the yield to the extent of 24 percent. We have taken considerable efforts with the help of scientists and experts to educate farmers regarding the advantages of apiculture and the dual-income which they can earn with a mixture of agriculture and apiculture.

A part of our endevour in women empowerment was to engage wives of farmers and other village women who are not engaged in any vocation in apiculture. Efforts have been taken up to educate and empower these women through contact programs regarding the advantages and procedures to start apiculture in the agricultural fields. They have been educated regarding the varieties of honey bees available in India, regarding the procurement of honey bee colonies and the upkeep of hives. They were advised regarding the period in which honey bees should be kept in the fields so that they get ample flowers to derive honey from it. They were further made aware of the type of protective gear to be used while handling the bees.

The result was quite encouraging and many women have started apiculture in their own fields and a few of them in the fields of the other farmers. Some of the women entrepreneurs have even started planning commercial beekeeping after having a good experience as beginners.