2025-08-19

A specialized workshop aimed at empowering traditional honey gatherers concluded this week, equipping them with modern techniques in honey processing, value addition, and a crucial understanding of their legal forest rights. The two-day event was organized by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) as part of its ‘Bees for Life’ project, in collaboration with the Timbaktu Collective from Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

The workshop brought together 32 honey gatherers from tribal and fringe communities in Anantapur, for whom honey harvesting is a primary, generational livelihood. The training was held at the TIES main campus in Velloor, Kottayam, and the HORTICORP Beekeeping Consortium in Mavelikara.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Subash K B, Assistant Conservator of Forest for the Social Forestry Division, Kottayam, highlighted the indispensable role of honey bees in the ecosystem. He stressed their importance as critical pollinators essential for maintaining biodiversity, ensuring agricultural productivity, and securing the food supply.

The first day of the workshop provided a blend of legal and scientific knowledge. Dr. Sebastian Joseph, Head of Environmental History and Anthropocene Studies at TIES, led a session titled “An Introduction to Forest Laws,” which detailed the provisions of the Forest Rights Act concerning Minor Forest Products. Following this, TIES Director Dr. Punnen Kurian gave an engaging presentation on the diversity of honeybee species in India. Participants were also introduced to the basics of laboratory analysis for honey quality by Project Assistant Ms. Arya Shaji. The day concluded with a practical session led by Mr. Sarath Babu N B, Nature Education Officer, who familiarized the group with beekeeping equipment and provided a close look at live colonies of Apis cerana indica and Tetragonula iridipennis.

The second day shifted focus to hands-on commercial applications at the HORTICORP Beekeeping Consortium & Training Centre in Mavelikara. Under the guidance of Mr. Sunil B., Regional Manager at HORTICORP, the honey gatherers learned advanced techniques for processing raw honey, emphasizing quality control through proper filtering and hygienic practices. A key component of the training was the introduction to value-added products derived from honey and beeswax, such as balms and soaps, which present significant opportunities for expanding their livelihood.

The collaboration between TIES and the Timbaktu Collective marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable beekeeping, conserving biodiversity, and fostering rural empowerment. The workshop was coordinated by Mr. Ramesh Kumar M and Mr. Mahesh Gondi from Dharani Cooperative, Ms. Challa Vaishnavi from the Timbaktu Collective, and Ms. Anoopa Mathews, PRO for TIES.