Bees are essential to the survival of humans. Their cross-pollination activity is what keeps the endemic ecosystem thriving. Understanding their value and maintaining a healthy bee population is inestimable in the story of human existence.
In Goa particularly, beekeeping is significant to farmers and the propagation of crops.
Goa’s Raika Honey and ICAR-CCARI are offering a certificate course in apiculture, a one-day beekeeping training programme called 'Beginners Beekeeping Workshop'. The programme is aimed at hobbyists, farmers and entrepreneurs, and will be held on October 19, 2024 (from 10 am to 5 pm), at ICAR CCARI - Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ela Farm, North Goa.
The certificate course also includes one year of assistance in the beekeeping enterprise with a government subsidy on beehives.
Suprajit Raikar of Raika Honey will be the trainer for the programme. The passionate bee advocate is a certified beekeeper and master trainer from the Central Bee Research and Training Institute, Pune.
The course is aimed at helping participants learn the fundamentals about bees in an interactive fashion, allowing them entry into the remarkable world of bees and their functioning.
The instruction will involve caring for bees sustainably and in an eco-friendly manner. The language of instruction will be Konkani.
This promises to be fun-filled experience that will build confidence in all participants in taking up and persevering in one of the most enjoyable and fastest growing hobbies in the world.
Suprajit tells us, “There's lot of interest in the beekeeping training programme. A minimum of 40 farmers usually participate in it. After hands-on training, they get the confidence to handle a live honey bee colony. “
The course is aimed at helping participants learn the fundamentals about bees in an interactive fashion, allowing them entry into the remarkable world of bees and their functioning.
“Govt agencies like the Goa Khadi and Village Industries Board, ICAR CCARI KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) North and KVK South Goa help us in conducting these programmes,” says Suprajit.
The farmers use the certificates, obtained after course completion, to apply for the Goa Khadi and Village Industries Board’s apiculture schemes. One has to be 18 years and above to avail the beekeeping schemes in Goa.
The theory session extends from 10 am to 1 pm and will cover:
Honeybees and apiculture: An introduction
Beekeeping in Goa
The colony and its organisation
Beekeeping tools and equipment
Honey and bee products market
The practical session, from 2 pm to 4 pm, comprises:
Setting up a new honey bee apiary
Cleaning and maintenance of a beehive
Beehive inspection
Speaking on his role as a trainer, Suprajit says, “My job is to teach about the importance of honey bees to the people and the planet. During the training programme, I teach them how to safely handle bees, safety measures, maintenance of beehives, etc.”
He adds, “Since our inception in 2016, we have trained more than a thousand candidates in Goa. Farmers, students, professionals, etc attend our programme. We have kept it open to all.
With a number of women entrepreneurs venturing into apiculture, setting up beehives in their backyard or farm, Suprajit heralds it as “a positive sign in Goa.”
Suprajit is enthused by the increase in participant numbers in the last 2-3 years. He says, “Our first goal is to create awareness and save the bees.”
DETAILS
WHAT: Beginners Beekeeping Workshop
WHERE: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Near Karmali Railway Station, Ela, North Goa
WHEN: Saturday, October 19, 2024
TIMINGS: 10 am to 5 pm
FEES: Rs 700 per person
CONTACT: +91 9689924767
TO REGISTER: https://forms.gle/Eeo7BeDGmjrSb2oi9
GOOGLE MAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zJmvZ22yimYWo3bp8