Scientific beekeeping to steam up conservation, livelihoods in Manas landscape

Guwahati, July 20 : Strengthening the link between biodiversity conservation and resilient rural livelihoods, Aaranyak successfully conducted ‘Hands-on Technical Training on Scientific Beekeeping Practices and Market Linkages’ for the second batch recently for communities living around the Manas National Park landscape in Assam, India.

The three-day training brought together 12 farmers and rural youth from fringe villages and adjoining areas of Manas National Park and equipped them with skills on scientific beekeeping as a sustainable, biodiversity-friendly enterprise.

By promoting nature-based livelihoods that generate income while supporting pollination and ecosystem health, the initiative contributes to both community resilience and long-term conservation of one of South Asia's most important biodiversity landscapes.

The training was facilitated by Naba Mahanta, an experienced beekeeper and resource person, who provided participants with technical knowledge and field-based guidance on scientific beekeeping using Apis cerana, an indigenous honeybee species well adapted to the ecological conditions of Northeast India.

Participants received comprehensive training on hive establishment, colony management, seasonal maintenance, multiplication, routine inspection, honey harvesting, processing, filtration, storage, and quality management, alongside practical approaches to preventing and managing pests, predators, and diseases affecting bee colonies.

The inaugural session was graced by Mrinal Daimary, Forest Range Officer, Bhuyanpara Range of Manas National Park, who encouraged participants to take up scientific beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood that complements forest conservation and biodiversity protection while enhancing household income.

Recognising that successful livelihood development requires both production and market readiness, the programme included dedicated sessions on honey value chains, market linkages, packaging, labelling, record keeping, and basic enterprise planning.

These sessions strengthened participants' understanding of how scientific beekeeping can evolve into a viable rural enterprise while promoting responsible use of natural resources.

The first two days combined technical classroom sessions with practical demonstrations, while the final day featured an exposure visit to Dakshin Makhra, where participants observed both traditional and scientific beekeeping systems. They gained firsthand experience in colony division, hive maintenance, seasonal management, and the careful transfer of naturally established colonies from traditional bee boxes into scientific bee boxes for improved productivity.

Participants also learned about stingless bees, their ecological significance, specialised honey production, and the growing market value of stingless bee honey, along with demonstrations on honey packaging, sealing, and quality assurance.

To encourage long-term adoption of scientific practices, Aaranyak has planned regular follow-up field visits and continued technical handholding support. A dedicated WhatsApp group managed by the resource person will facilitate ongoing mentoring, knowledge exchange, and peer learning among participants, ensuring that newly acquired skills translate into sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The training programme was led and coordinated by Aaranyak's Detsung Basumatary, with logistical and technical support provided by Momita Narzary, Bijay Basumatary, Daimalu Basumatary, and Pankaj Das, ensuring effective implementation throughout the programme.

The programme was organised under the IUCN-KfW-supported project, "Securing Population of Tigers, Habitats and Biological Corridors in Assam, India." The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening community stewardship, conserving globally significant ecosystems, and promoting inclusive, nature-positive development.