A training on Sustainable Honey Harvesting and Hygienic Honey Collection was held on March 29, 2025, at the Adivasi Society Hall in Monwayal. Organized by Accord Shola Trust, the session was facilitated by Mr. Justin Raj from Keystone Foundation and attended by ten honey collectors from the villages of Oodakolli, Sempakolli, and Konjikolli. The training aimed to build awareness and practical knowledge around sustainable beekeeping practices that protect both the bees and the environment.
Participants were introduced to the different types and parts of bees, their seasonal behaviors, and nesting patterns in both natural and built environments. Through films and visual aids, the structure of a beehive was explained in detail, highlighting how honey is stored at the top, pollen in the middle, and brood (eggs) at the bottom.
Mr. Justin Raj demonstrated sustainable harvesting techniques, including how to identify and cut only the capped sections of honeycomb while leaving the brood and pollen undisturbed. He also introduced a hygienic method of filtering honey by hanging the comb in cloth rather than squeezing it, helping to retain the honey’s purity and quality. The session emphasized the importance of balancing traditional knowledge with improved, sustainable practices to support both local livelihoods and the health of forest ecosystems.
