NABARD team inspects tribals’ beekeeping units in Jawadhu Hills

NABARD team inspects tribal beekeeping units in Jawadhu Hills, exploring strategies for sustainable and profitable value chain.

A team from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) led by R. Anand, Chief General Manager, inspected beekeeping units of tribals in Jawadhu Hills in Tiruvannamalai as part of assessment of community driven projects that are funded by the national rural agency.

Officials of NABARD said the inspection was done to assess the community-led beekeeping initiatives undertaken by local farmers and explore strategies to transform them into a sustainable and profitable value chain.

During the visit, organised by Srinivasan Services Trust (SST) - the social arm of TVS Group, Mr. Anand interacted with farmers, listening to their experiences in beekeeping, the challenges they face, the support they require, their market access, and potential income opportunities. “The support to farmers by NABARD has been given under its beekeeping value chain project that aims to commercialize beekeeping as a viable rural enterprise,” he said.

Under the project, farmers were given technical training, beehive boxes and protective equipment. Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were involved in marketing the produce. Mr. Anabnd said through the project, the income of farmers additionally increased to a tune of ₹30,000 annually.

Vijay Neehar, district development manager, NABARD (Tiruvannamalai) and Timir Saha, assistant general manager, NABARD, were part of the delegation.