Implementation of a Science Technology and Innovation Hub
The trainees, mainly from 30 hamlets in Paderu and Araku mandals of Alluri Sitharama Raju district, have been receiving training in the production of monofloral honey, formed from nectar of a single plant species, through the four Science Technology and Innovation Hubs (STI Hubs) set up by GITAM Deemed-to-be University in 2023, with the support of the Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) wing of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). • The trainees mainly come from Thumpada, Modapalle, Minumuluru, Raigedda, Talarisingi, Yegumodaputtu, Padmanabhapuram, Pappuduvalasa, Yandapallivalasa, Chompi, Hattaguda, and Lotheru villages, said the officials. • The project’s main objectives are to equip the trainees with modern beekeeping practices and technology to enhance honey production and marketing.
Traditional Honey Production Methods
Beekeepers like Dasari Gopi of Araku have expressed satisfaction with the new methods being introduced, as they were previously reliant solely on traditional methods of honey production. Dasari Gopi, a local beekeeper, noted, “Till now, we used to take up honey production entirely according to traditional methods. Now, we are learning new and innovative methods. This is of great benefit to us.”
The project has shown us that there is more to honey production than we thought, and we are excited to explore new opportunities for our community. – Dasari Gopi, Araku beekeeper
Honey Production and Marketing
The project has reached the honey production stage, and in the next stage, the promotion, branding, and marketing of the honey will be taken up with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). According to Principal Investigator I. Sarat Babu, “The project aims to harness the valuable produce of nature through action-oriented and location-specific measures to achieve socio-economic development of the underprivileged sections of the society with appropriate interventions of science, technology, and innovation.”
Honey Production Process
• About 100 acres were planted with flowering plants like niger (valisalu) to encourage monofloral honey production. • Approximately 250 bee boxes were set up to support the bees in collecting nectar within a radius of 5 km of the bee box. • At least five to seven tonnes of honey is being collected seasonally through this project.
Success Stories
My team and I spend at least one or two days a week, usually on weekends and holidays, to engage in this project. Each farmer is able to earn over ₹1 lakh per year and learn scientific and systematic beekeeping. This is our success as pioneers of this project. – I. Sarat Babu, Principal Investigator and Associate Professor at GITAM Biotechnology Department
Awards and Recognition
There is currently no specific mention of any awards or recognition, but with the continued support of the DST and NABARD, the project will likely receive recognition for its innovative approach to honey production and its positive impact on the community.
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