Assam’s largest dairy cooperative, Purabi Dairy, conducted a weeklong scientific beekeeping training near Hajo in Kamrup district of Assam. The programme, which started on February 21, ended on February 27.
Aimed at creating a new source of livelihood for the milk farmers, the initiative was taken forward by National Dairy Development Board’s (NDDB) in association with National Bee Board (NBB). West Assam Milk Union Limited (WAMUL), which runs the Purabi Dairy brand, was empanelled by NDDB for formation of honey farmer producer organisation and development of honey cluster.
The weeklong training programme by Purabi Dairy was organized between February 21-27 at the Regional Institute of Livestock Entrepreneurship Management (RILEM).
The programme had 25 participants and the training was delivered by ‘Tanishk Graamin Seva Sansthan’ through two trainers – Sanjeev Tomar and Vishnu Jangle. They were joined by Pranesh Roy, who has been providing training on beekeeping in different districts of Assam.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier highlighted that to increase farmers’ income, WAMUL should integrate allied activities like biogas, bio-manure, beekeeping etc. “This training programme is a step forward in that direction,” stated a press release.
The training programme will also lead to additional income for the local dairy farmers which is a step towards the “doubling farmers’ income” aim as stated by prime minister Narendra Modi.
Milk unions in other parts of India are effectively using their infrastructure for procurement and marketing of honey and are providing quality honey to its customers.
The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission was announced by the Union government as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package in 2020. The scheme is aimed at the overall development and promotion of scientific beekeeping in India to achieve the objectives of the ‘Sweet Revolution’. Development of beekeeping will also generate employment in rural India and has potential of augmenting income of farmers.
