Bee farming project to aid villagers in Kushalnagar

Madikeri: Kushalnagar forest range officials have launched an important project that will help build the lives of the people of forest border villages. The forest department emphasised the development of bee farming by distributing honey boxes along with honey to the forest residents of Anekad, Athur, Dubare and Meenukolli branch limits.

This project was implemented with the aim of providing an alternative income source for families living in forest areas that are dependent on agriculture. It is believed that there is a possibility of earning more income from bee farming in a small area, and it will also be an employment opportunity for women and youth.

Beekeeping is not only limited to economic benefits but also plays an important role in environmental protection. Pollination by honeybees is likely to increase the productivity of forest and agricultural crops.

At the same time, it is hoped that the presence of beehives may also help control the movement of wild elephants. Since elephants are likely to hesitate to enter certain areas due to the noise and activities of bee swarms, human-elephant conflict will be reduced, says Sachin Nimbalkar, sub-range forest officer of Meenukolli Branch.

Attracting attention

This project, undertaken by the forest department, is attracting attention by keeping in mind three important aspects: the livelihood of forest border-living people, environmental protection and control of human-wildlife conflict.