buzzing tale of conservation

buzzing tale of conservation

 Honeybees, the tiny creatures carrying out the herculean task of pollination to help plants reproduce, are fighting a survival battle across the globe due to ill-planned developmental works.

In Nagpur, honeybees faced the same issue as the city witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure in the last decade. Along with overall development, the city also witnessed an inspiring tale of conservation of nature's pollinators, thanks to Hislop College's zoology department.
Associate professor and department head Ashish Kumar Jha, a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, has spearheaded a movement that rescues honeybees. Jha vividly remembers the 2017 day when he received a SOS call to rescue bees from trees felled due to road widening projects in Nagpur.
With a deep understanding of the vital role bees play in pollination and maintaining ecosystem balance, Jha and his team of students sprang into action, rescuing bees from over 200 fallen trees. This initial rescue mission sparked a ripple effect, leading to the establishment of apiculture and meliponiculture initiatives. "After conservation, the focus is now on honey production," Jha says.

Through apiculture, Jha and his students have mastered the art of honey production. The income generated from honey also funds research, training, and conservation efforts.
"In Hislop College, we maintain 15 boxes of Apis cerana indica species and 30 boxes of stingless bees, yielding over 100kg of honey annually. Additionally, our apiaries at Kondhali, Mahurzari, and Tumsar support monofloral honey research work by Jagruti, Ram Krishan Bhelawe, and Shreya Ghonmode apart from producing another 100kg of honey," said Jha.
Embracing the concept of meliponiculture, the team has transformed timber logs from fallen trees into "bee hotels." These innovative structures serve as safe havens for solitary bees, providing them with a pesticide-free environment near agricultural fields, where they can thrive and contribute to the pollination of crops.
Jha and his team have embarked on a mission to train local farmers in the art of meliponiculture, empowering them to enhance their crop yields through natural pollination.
"Beyond honey, we collect 50 kg of pollen, 10kg of wax, and 50kg of propolis. Most of these are used in R&D as we develop 27 products, including cosmetics, ointments, and food items. Around 80kg of honey and its by-products are sold to fund conservation. We rescue and relocate 10 stingless bee colonies monthly, each costing Rs1,000–Rs1,500," Jha said.
Jha's pioneering work has garnered attention from the National Bee Board, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and the state agricultural department. The impact of this initiative extends far beyond Nagpur. Armed with invaluable skills in honey production and product development, students trained in beekeeping during their BSc and MSc courses, are readily absorbed by the industry.
From cosmetics like facial masks, propolis shampoos, and creams to medicinal products like anaesthetic propolis paste, ointments, and honey herbal syrups, the possibilities of honey-based products are endless. Even delectable treats like honey-roasted nut bars and jellies are being produced, showcasing the versatility of this remarkable endeavour.
Farmers like Raja Adakane from Wai village in Katol and Rubina Salim Baghade from Parseoni, with her 2000 guava trees, are opting for apiaries. Bhumita Dhote from Konda Sawali in Katol is looking forward to an increase in the production of sweet limes, lemons, and custard apples after implementing beekeeping practices on her farm.
Last week, a 7-day training of farmers from Parseoni and Katol facilitated by Mafsu was held at the college. Jha and his team, along with experts like SV Gudhe, former assistant director, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), guided these participants during the sessions.
Jha has also applied for govt funding, with two projects sanctioned but pending disbursement. "To sustain conservation and R&D, we regularly organise training programs for students and farmers," he said.