Under the Mango Tree (UTMT)

District

Chhindwara

Mandla

States

Madhya Pradesh

In 2013, the UTMT Society extended its operations to Madhya Pradesh. The focal areas of intervention within the state are the Mandla and Chhindwara districts, where beekeeping activities revolve around two indigenous bee species, namely Apis cerana indica and Trigona. One notable facet of the initiative is the significant advancement of Trigona Beekeeping in the Mandla district, marked by innovative techniques in propagating Trigona bee colonies. To further support these efforts, a Beekeeping Resource Centre (BRC) situated in the Jamai block of Chhindwara district serves as a pivotal hub for conducting farmer training sessions and hosting meetings, consolidating the society's commitment to fostering beekeeping and sustainable practices in the region.

District

Dhule

Palghar

States

Maharashtra

In Dhule and Palghar districts, women beekeepers have shattered gender stereotypes and showcased remarkable capabilities. A grant received from NABARD in 2014 played a pivotal role in offering beekeeping training to women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the Sakri block of Dhule district. This initiative gained momentum with additional assistance from RBL Bank. Accomplished women beekeepers who have risen through the ranks are now designated as Master Trainers (MT). They are actively involved in imparting beekeeping training to farmers across various districts in Maharashtra.

District

Valsad

The Dangs

States

Gujarat

Dadra and Nagar Haveli

The primary objective of this programme is to provide beekeeping training to farmers who managed mango and cashew orchards, aiming to enhance their agricultural yields. The initial pilot phase effectively showcased the viability of beekeeping in the region, capitalizing on the existing local knowledge of beekeeping and honey hunting.

Subsequently, the initiative expanded its reach to encompass the Kaprada block within the Valsad district, as well as the contiguous districts of Dangs and Silvassa (Dadra and Nagar Haveli). Presently, the area boasts a thriving community of over 650 beekeepers. This flourishing ecosystem also comprises auxiliary components such as a carpentry workshop dedicated to crafting beeboxes, bee flora nurseries established by women's groups, a skilled group of Master Trainers, and a fully operational Beekeeping Resource Centre (BRC).