Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 July 2025
In a significant move to promote sustainable apiculture and strengthen rural livelihoods, the High Value Agriculture Development Agency (HVADA) and the Department of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the National Bee Board under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, have launched a comprehensive two-day training programme on Scientific Beekeeping.
Organized under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) scheme, the training commenced on June 25, 2025, and is being conducted across 30 Gram Panchayats of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including tribal villages in Car Nicobar and Little Andaman.
The initiative focuses on expanding farmers’ participation and building a strong foundation for community-led apiculture development in the islands. To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, beginner’s guides on scientific beekeeping were distributed in Hindi, Bengali, and Nicobari languages.
Led by subject-matter experts, the training sessions include interactive modules combining theoretical learning with practical demonstrations. So far, 690 participants—including farmers, Self Help Group members, and tribal youth—have benefited from the sessions, gaining vital skills in scientific beekeeping.
The programme will continue until July 17, 2025, covering 10 additional Panchayats across various zones, further extending its outreach and impact across the Union Territory.
