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TNAU and IOCL Conduct Beekeeping Training for Palamalai Tribal People in Coimbatore

SimpliCity News Team · 31 Aug 2024

Coimbatore: The Department of Agricultural Entomology at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) jointly organized a "Training on Beekeeping and Distribution of Beekeeping Appliances" for the tribal people of Palamalai, Coimbatore. The event, held on August 28, 2024, is part of IOCL's CSR Initiative Project Madhuram, which aims to promote awareness about beekeeping and endorse honey production as an alternate source of income generation.

The training program, conducted under the ongoing scheme "Promoting Scientific Beekeeping among Tribal People of Palamalai, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu for Improving Livelihood and Enhancing Nutritional Security," took place at Palamalai Village in Naickenpalayam Panchayat, Periyanaickenpalayam block. Participants were primarily from the Perumbathi, Kunjoorpathi, Perukkapathi, and Manguli hamlets of Palamalai.

Dr. V.R. Saminathan, Professor, Department of Agricultural Entomology, explained the inspection of Indian honey bee colonies, various honey bee species, types, and colony organization to the tribal people. He described bee colony members, including queen, drone, and workers, as well as seasonal management of bee colonies, dividing and uniting of colonies, and honey harvesting techniques.

Dr. G. Preetha, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Entomology, emphasized the importance of artificial feeding for bees during dearth periods like summer and winter. She provided instructions on preparing sugar syrup and using protective equipment such as bee veils, gloves, and smokers. Dr. Preetha also demonstrated honey extraction techniques using an extractor.

Dr. C. Sowmiya, SRF, Department of Entomology, educated the participants about different types of pests and diseases affecting honey bees and their control measures. She also provided information on various bee flora in and around Palamalai Hills for honey bee foraging and demonstrated smoker usage and honey extraction.

L. Vellingiri, a representative from Perukapathy who successfully maintains bee colonies in his backyard, shared his experience with the participants. He highlighted the benefits of beekeeping, including nutritional value and additional income, and described the strong connection beekeepers develop with their bees.

The training program aimed to equip the tribal people of Palamalai with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in scientific beekeeping, thereby improving their livelihood opportunities and enhancing nutritional security in the region.

tnau iocl beekeeping training tribal welfare palamalai agriculture livelihood

TNAU and IOCL Conduct Beekeeping Training for Palamalai Tribal People in Coimbatore

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