Through a strategic partnership between SERP and Humble Bee, tribal women in Telangana are transitioning from risky wild honey collection to sustainable, scientific beekeeping.
- Partnership between SERP and Humble Bee aims to empower 1,500 tribal and rural women.
- Transition from dangerous wild honey harvesting to controlled, scientific apiaries.
- Projected annual income of ₹50,000 per woman with a total budget of ₹12 crore.
In the heart of Telangana's forest regions, a silent revolution is buzzing. The traditional, often perilous practice of harvesting wild honey from deep forests is being replaced by a structured, scientific approach to beekeeping. This shift is being spearheaded by the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) in collaboration with Humble Bee (Buzzworthy Ventures Private Limited).
For many tribal families, honey was once a primary but unpredictable source of income. Mankidi Prashanthi, a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) from Mulugu district, shares that while her husband was an expert at finding wild honey, the changing forest ecosystems have made it increasingly difficult to find abundant honeycombs. The transition to scientific beekeeping offers not just a new skill, but a much-needed sense of stability.
Safety Over Survival
Historically, honey collection was a high-stakes gamble. Men from forest-dependent communities would venture deep into the wilderness, facing life-threatening risks, accidents, and even death. Chigurla Malleshwari, a young woman from Nagarkurnool, recalls the hazards that often left community members disabled or deceased. By moving the process to managed beehives, the risk of injury is virtually eliminated.
Scientific beekeeping transforms a hazardous forest activity into a dignified, sustainable micro-enterprise for women.
Economic Empowerment and Scalability
BozokMedia analysis shows that the economic structure of this program is meticulously designed for long-term success. The project involves a significant investment to ensure that the participants are not just laborers, but entrepreneurs.
| Feature | Traditional Wild Collection | Scientific Beekeeping |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Level | Extremely Dangerous | High / Controlled |
| Income Predictability | Low (Seasonal/Uncertain) | High (Managed/Steady) |
| Methodology | Foraging/Hunting | Technical/Scientific |
The program, launched in April 2026, aims to establish approximately 15,000 beehives. Each woman is expected to manage 10 colonies, with an asset investment of roughly ₹64,000 per person. The total program budget, including credit facilities, stands at ₹12 crore. Crucially, a buy-back arrangement with Humble Bee ensures that the women have a guaranteed market for their produce.
The Rise of 'Bee Sakhis'
To ensure the sustainability of this initiative, the program is training specialized women as 'Bee Sakhis'. These experts will provide technical support to approximately 25 beekeepers in their respective villages, creating a localized knowledge network and a women-led value chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How much income can a woman expect from this program?
Answer: Participating women are expected to earn an annual income of approximately ₹50,000.
Question 2: Is there a guaranteed market for the honey produced?
Answer: Yes, Humble Bee has established a buy-back arrangement to procure the honey directly from the beekeepers.
