Ayoob A,Community Wellbeing & Justinraj, Biodiversity Conservation
The Honey Processing Unit at Begur in the Tholpetty Range of the Wayanad Wildlife.The sanctuary was formally inaugurated by Smt. T. Uma, IFS, Chief Conservator of forests (Wildlife) and Field Director, Palakkad on the 13th of March, 2026. The inauguration ceremony was marked by Smt. Uma cutting a ribbon followed by asymbolic pouring of raw honey into the Processing Unit, signifying the commencement of operations.
During the event, moreover, Shobha and Vineetha, members of the Begur Eco Development Committee, demonstrated the functioning of the honey processing system.They highlighted the importance of scientific processing techniques to ensure quality, hygiene, and better market value for honey collected locally.
Empowering Women Through Sustainable Honey Livelihoods:
Keystone Foundation provided the honey processing unit and covered installation costs with support from UNESCO: Women for Bees. Additionally, this initiative strengthens sustainable livelihoods for local and tribal women in biospheres while promoting conservation-friendly practices around forest areas.
Several dignitaries and stakeholders attended the function, including Sri K. T.. Gopinathan, Vice President of Thirunelli Grama Panchayat; Sri. K. C. Rajan, ward member (Ward 7, Begur); Sri. Rahul Ravindran, Wildlife Assistant, Wayanad Wildlife Division; and Sri. Joseph T. C., Chairman of the Block Haritha Samithi. Additionally, representatives from Keystone Foundation, along with staff from Dasangatta Station and the Tholpetty Range, were also present.
This honey processing unit marks a significant step toward empowering forest-dependent communities, enhancing value addition to non-timber forest produce, and supporting management.Additionally, Women for Bees trainees in Wayanad can process honey from their boxes using this unit.
Honey Harvesting Inauguration:
Five women beekeepers in Plamoola successfully conducted a honey harvesting ceremony on March 16, 2026, with technical and practical support from Keystone Foundation. Ward 19 Member of Thirunelli Grama Panchayat, Mrs. Elsie James, formally inaugurated the event.In her inaugural address, she noted that such initiatives play a significant role in ensuring self-employment opportunities and stable sources of income for women through beekeeping.
The programme was presided over by Adv. K.G. Ramachandran, Programme Coordinator of Keystone Foundation. He highlighted the importance of beekeeping in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas and emphasized that such initiatives greatly contribute to the economic empowerment of women.
Beekeeping trainer Justin Raj led a detailed session on honey extraction, necessary precautions, and methods to ensure high-quality production.He also trained participants in post-harvest care, including maintaining hygienic beehives and ensuring the health and safety of bees. Bijishna T.K., Ayoob A., Vishnu N.M., and Hemalatha coordinated the programme.Local women farmers participated actively, making the event more impactful.This initiative marks a promising step toward strengthening women’s economic status in the village and promoting self-reliance through beekeeping.
