A Training-cum-Live Demonstration Programme on “Beekeeping for Prosperity: Promoting Income Generation, Rural Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment” was organized under the SCSP Programme of the Institute on 01 October 2026 at Pampalo, Balipatna, Khordha with the participation of 26 farmer trainees including 10 farmwomen from Puri, Khordha and Cuttack districts of Odisha. During the programme, various SCSP activities were highlighted, which are being implemented by ICAR-IIWM for the socio-economic empowerment of farming communities. Further, the importance of honey bee farming was deliberated as a viable livelihood option and explained its benefit-cost potential and scope for income generation. The participants were sensitized about the nutritional value of honey and emphasized the vital role of honey bees in crop pollination and enhancement of agricultural productivity. As the guest faculty, Sri Debabrata Mallick, Proprietor, M/s Omm Honey, Balianta, Khordha conducted a comprehensive live demonstration on beekeeping, covering practical aspects of bee colony rearing. As part of the programme, 20 bee boxes along with stands, bee colonies and bee veils were distributed to selected beneficiaries as critical inputs for initiating and strengthening beekeeping enterprises. The programme was coordinated by Drs. B.K. Sethy, S.K. Mishra and Prativa Sahu, while Sri Kalandi Behera, CEO, Sishu Ananta FPO, Balipatna, extended valuable local logistical support.
