By Justin Raj, Pollinators Expert, Additional Programme Coordinator, Biodiversity
On June 12, 2024, the Just Change, Gudalur group organized a training on sustainable honey harvesting in Kanji Kolli, Mannvayal. 18 wild honey gatherers participated in the training. From Keystone, the resource persons involved were Rajendran, Nithya, and Justin Raj. As this is the season for honey collecting, the objective of the training was to explain the methods of sustainable honey harvesting, hygienic and quality collection of honey. The importance of collecting honey without harming bees was also highlighted in the training. We also discussed how the quality of the honey determines the market. Participants learned how to collect just honey from combs when honey gathering. They also learned about different types of honey, how to buy and store honey, food grade vessels, packing methods, honey distillation, and why honey should be filtered.
