Project - 10
Promotion of Scientific Beekeeping (Apis Indica) in Uttarakhand
Scheme: National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM)
Funding Agency: National Bee Board (NBB)
Implementing Area: District Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Project Period: 01 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
1. Executive Summary
The project focuses on promoting scientific beekeeping using Apis Indica to create sustainable livelihoods in the hill regions of Uttarakhand. Key interventions include establishment of processing infrastructure, development of a complete value chain, capacity building of farmers, and market linkages under the brand “Bee Pahadi”. All physical and financial targets under the project have been achieved.
2. Component-wise Progress & Achievements
2.1 Honey & Other Beehive Product Processing Unit
A 200 sq. m modern honey and beehive product processing unit has been established and is fully operational. The unit handles processing, packaging, and quality assurance of honey and other bee products. The physical and financial targets for this component have been achieved 100%.
2.2 Collection, Trading, Branding & Marketing Centre
Under the Scientific Beekeeping project with the Honey Bee Board, a complete framework for collection, trading, branding, and marketing of honey and bee products has been established under the brand “Bee Pahadi”.
Village-level collection points have been set up in project areas for easy honey collection. On-site quality checks for moisture, purity, and quality are conducted before procurement. For trading, buy-back agreements have been signed with stakeholders to ensure an assured market for producers. Fair and competitive pricing is offered to encourage participation.
For branding and packaging, “Bee Pahadi” has been registered as the brand for marketing premium honey and bee products. Packaging focuses on eco-friendly, attractive designs that highlight the “Pahadi” origin.
The marketing strategy targets local organic stores, e-commerce platforms, national markets, and export channels. The unique selling proposition is “Wild, Organic Pahadi Honey” aimed at health-conscious consumers. Marketing channels include social media, organic fairs, and B2B tie-ups with retailers.
This has strengthened the value chain for beekeepers, provided assured market access, and achieved premium product positioning.
2.3 Custom Hiring Centre
A Custom Hiring Centre was established for effective implementation of the project in the area. All equipment approved by NBHM has been purchased for training and distribution among the beneficiaries.
2.4 Trainings
Five scientific beekeeping trainings were successfully conducted for 212 stakeholders across various villages in Uttarakhand. The training locations were: Uttircha Village, Block Duggada, Dist. Pauri; Balli Village, Block Duggada, Dist. Pauri in collaboration with the Horticulture Department; Siwal Village, Block Pabo, Dist. Pauri; Githala Village, Block Duggada, Dist. Pauri; and Gadoli Village, Pauri Garhwal.
The trainings were hands-on practical sessions with field demonstrations focused on Apis Indica. Topics covered included bee biology and colony management, setting up and managing Apis Indica bee boxes, techniques for honey extraction and processing, pest and disease management, and sustainable beekeeping practices for higher yield.
The methodology included classroom sessions with explanations in the local language, field visits to existing Apis Indica apiaries, and practical demonstrations on bee handling and honey extraction.
Key highlights of the training: Participants were informed about subsidies and support under National Bee Board initiatives and details of the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission. Hands-on training was provided on bee box management, honey extraction, and pest control. The importance of Apis Indica in local pollination and honey production was emphasized. Bee boxes and equipment were distributed to participants.
Trainees were also introduced to value-added products beyond honey such as beeswax candles, propolis tinctures, pollen supplements, and royal jelly products. Ways to enhance income through diversified bee products were discussed.
Resource persons included experienced beekeeping experts and scientists from local agricultural universities. Printed training materials on Apis Indica management were distributed. Participants received bee boxes, protective gear, and honey extraction tools. Q&A sessions were held with experts to address challenges in beekeeping. Post-training follow-up visits have been planned for guidance.
Out of 212 participants, 125 participants 59% expressed interest in pursuing beekeeping as an income-generating activity. These interested participants will be supported for further capacity building and bee colony distribution.
3. Overall Impact
The project has created end-to-end infrastructure from production to processing and marketing. It has led to livelihood generation by identifying 125 new potential beekeepers, with the buy-back system reducing market risk for farmers. The “Bee Pahadi” brand has been established as a premium organic honey brand, ensuring better price realization for producers. A total of 212 stakeholders has been trained in scientific Apis Indica beekeeping practices. The introduction of value-added products has promoted income diversification and reduced dependency on honey alone.
4. Sustainability & Way Forward
The next steps include continuous handholding and follow-up support to the 125 interested beneficiaries. Phase-2 will involve distribution of bee colonies and equipment to selected beneficiaries. Marketing will be scaled up through e-commerce platforms and export opportunities will be explored. Regular quality monitoring will be conducted at collection centers to maintain the standards of the “Bee Pahadi” brand.