Savoring Harmony: Tirthan Valley’s Native Honey, Where Conservation Meets Sweet Success

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Savoring Harmony: Tirthan Valley’s Native Honey, Where Conservation Meets Sweet Success

In the serene mountains of Tirthan Valley in Kullu, a unique practice is yielding results that not only promote environmental conservation but also generate a source of livelihood for local farmers. The practice is honey production. One might wonder how this differs from normal honey production elsewhere. Honey, as a food item, has been in use for thousands of years, and the local people of the hills have been rearing bees inside their traditionally built mud houses, where bees live alongside humans in a symbiotic relationship. With changes in lifestyle, people moved to concrete-based houses, where there is no space for bees. Rapid deforestation and increased use of chemicals in the fields have led to a decline in the native bee population over the past few decades. Without bees, there can be no pollination, and without pollination, there can be no plant growth.

At this critical time, the joint effort by the regional center of the GB Pant National Research Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, located at Mohal, Kullu, along with the support of NABARD, devised a scheme to promote honey production by locals of Tirthan Valley in Kullu. This was not an office-run program; rather, it was an effort involving specialists and locals, aiming to produce honey from native varieties of bees, & Apis Cerana'.

Locals of Tirthan valley being given demonstration and training by experts of GB Pant institute, Mohali.

Why native varieties of Bees?

In India, honey production predominantly involves two types of bees – Apis Mallifera and Apis Cerana. Cerana, a native Indian species, thrives in the country's diverse climatic conditions, especially in hilly regions. Conversely, Mallifera was introduced to India from Italy.

While Cerana, commonly known as maau, yields a smaller quantity of honey compared to its foreign counterpart, its honey is revered for its superior quality. Cerana requires minimal maintenance and forages on a wide array of flowers, resulting in the production of nutritious multifloral honey. On the other hand, Mallifera is better suited for large-scale agriculture and monoculture crops, demanding intensive care and management that may be impractical for hill farmers.

Moreover, local honeybees, such as Cerana, serve as excellent pollinators, a vital aspect for fruit production in hilly terrains. Considering these factors, native bee species were selected for the project, as they have long been integral to hillside beekeeping practices.

The impact

The project spans across several villages nestled within the pristine environs of Tirthan Valley in Kullu, renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty. NABARD, the funding agency behind the initiative, supplied the necessary boxes and equipment to local participants. Concurrently, the regional centre of the GB Pant Institute, situated in Mohal, Kullu, offered invaluable guidance and training to the villagers.

Traditionally, locals have been nurturing bees in their homes or nearby surroundings using traditional methods like Log Hive and Wall Hive. However, these methods typically yield lesser honey compared to modern techniques. Through the adoption of contemporary methods, honey production has seen a significant increase, with the added benefit of a more hygienic approach to honey collection that also ensures the well-being of the bee colonies.

This comprehensive project has not only provided additional income streams for farmers who were primarily reliant on agriculture but has also facilitated improved pollination, thereby enhancing fruit crop yields. It’s a win-win scenario for all involved, including consumers who now have access to pure, natural honey through www.himflavours.com a dedicated marketplace for Himalayan products sourced directly from indigenous hill communities.

Why this honey is better?

Fresh pure honey of Tirthan valley being procured from Locals

While many honey varieties available in the market claim to be pure and natural, the reality is often quite different. They are often heavily processed or tainted with chemicals. In contrast, the honey offered here is sourced directly from local hill communities. These honey producers undergo training to ensure that the harvesting process minimally impacts the bees.

“Great care is taken to leave a significant portion of honey within the frames inside the box, providing sustenance for the bees during periods of no flowering, particularly in the harsh winters.”

This approach reflects a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to
sustainability. After all, the overarching goal of this project was to conserve the native
bees of the hills. So, each time you indulge in this honey available at
www.himflavours.com, consider how a project aimed at preserving bees is also
making significant contributions to environmental conservation and the economic
upliftment of the hill communities. So, as you enjoy a spoonful of this golden
goodness, remember the journey it took from hive to jar—a journey of resilience,
cooperation, and the simple joys of life in harmony with nature.