Wild Bees Boost Rural Incomes

A significant initiative funded by a ₹12 lakh project from the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology is empowering rural communities through apiculture training. Launched in January 2026, the "Apiculturist - Wild Bee Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP)" program at Chandigarh University equips participants with skills for sustainable income generation in bee-product value chains.

This training, spanning four north Indian states, fosters employment and entrepreneurship in beekeeping, honey production, and bee-product processing. It aims to create viable alternatives to traditional agriculture amidst changing weather patterns. The program also champions the conservation of wild bee populations and biodiversity through responsible resource utilization.

Participants receive comprehensive training covering scientific knowledge, practical demonstrations, and field-based learning. This includes product identification, sustainable collection, processing, value addition, quality standards, and marketing. The initiative strives to align livelihood generation with ecological conservation, protecting pollinators essential for agriculture.

Led by Prof (Dr) L.K. Attri and Assistant Professor (Dr) Sangeeta, the program integrates technical training with enterprise development. It equips individuals with business planning and management skills to establish successful apiculture ventures, contributing to local economic growth and the strengthening of bee-product value chains.