Bee Farmer Creates an Eco-Friendly Buzz, Empowering Communities through Beekeeping

In a small village in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, Ashok Sarangi, a bee farmer, has revolutionized the concept of beekeeping, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable source of income for his community. With no formal training, Sarangi's passion for honey sparked his journey into beekeeping at the age of 15. Through his own experimentation and dedication, Sarangi developed expertise in beekeeping over the years. Recognizing the potential of this trade, he aimed to assist traditional farmers in generating an additional income with minimal investment. His mission became even more crucial after a devastating cyclone struck the region in 1999, impacting agricultural practices and livelihoods. Sarangi took the initiative to train villagers, unemployed youths, and women in apiculture, teaching them the intricacies of honey production, beeswax extraction, pollen collection, and the many other valuable products derived from hives. By doing so, he not only improved their financial prospects but also contributed to the conservation of biodiversity through increased pollination. The success of Sarangi's efforts is evident as many individuals in his village now rely solely on beekeeping as their primary source of income. While the production levels have been affected by the cyclone, Sarangi continues to produce 80 kg of honey annually from 43 bee boxes. His impact goes beyond the village, as he has trained over 500 people across Odisha, garnering recognition from the Odisha University of Agriculture Technology. Sarangi's eco-friendly buzz has created a ripple effect, empowering communities and showcasing the potential of beekeeping as an alternative livelihood. His inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and the positive impact individuals can have in transforming lives and preserving the environment.

6-Year-Old Rabeea Is in India’s Book of Records for Her Work Which Most of Us Wouldn’t Dare To Attempt!

Rabeea Hamda enjoys doing what others might not even dare to do. She removes a box from a vertically stacked hive that is teeming with bees and describes every aspect of the winged insect. No wonder then, she has found a place in the India Book of Records as the youngest apiarist. The family of Rabeea resides in Ananganadi and has long been involved in beekeeping. The family had set up a 10-box bee yard in their compound with the help of  Ananganadi Panchayat and Horticorp.  Rabeea’s father was involved in beekeeping, but ever since he left for UAE, her mother has taken over. Rabeea also likes to help. Initially, she was a bit apprehensive and watched everything from a distance. Later, she started enjoying being with the winged insects. Seeing her enthusiasm, her father bought protective clothing, such as gloves, a jacket, shoes, a mask, a hooded suit, a hat, and a veil for her. Rabeea makes use of a coconut fiber-based smoker that soothes the bees.  Although Rabeea is aware of the fact that bee stings can be dangerous, she always wanted to be with them. So, her parents brought protective gear for her. She helps her mother clean the beehives by taking out each box from the hive. She also loves to feed the bees. She receives a lot of praise for her work which she finds least difficult to do as she enjoys being with the bees.