A three-day training programme on scientific beekeeping methods was successfully conducted from 28 to 30 May 2026 at the Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), located within the premises of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi-Morabadi. The programme was sponsored by SIDHKOFED (Sidho-Kanho Krishi Evam Vanopaj Rajya Sahakari Sangh Ltd.), under whose auspices farmers from Khunti district participated in this residential training.
The training was conducted under the expert guidance of Dr. Ajit Kumar Singh, Programme Coordinator, KVK; Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Scientist; and field instructors Shri Shibu Bedia, Shri Baliya Bedia, and Shri Suresh Mahato. The programme was graced by the presence of Swami Ishwarananda, the representative of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi-Morabadi, and Shri Rakesh Kumar, Secretary, SIDHKOFED.
The training was imparted in batches. To date, a total of 370 farmers have completed the programme across successive batches. The present batch comprised farmers from Khunti district, who received instruction over three days and also undertook a guided tour of the Divyayan campus.
During the campus visit, participants were familiarised with the integrated rural development activities of the Ashrama, including organic farming, food processing, cattle rearing, poultry farming, pisciculture, vegetable and fruit cultivation, and vermicompost production.
The beekeeping curriculum covered the following subjects:
- Importance of beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood activity
- Species identification and behavioural characteristics, with special reference to the Italian honeybee (Apis mellifera)
- Structure of the beehive and use of standard apiary equipment
- Methods and timing for initiating beekeeping
- Techniques for capturing swarms and establishing colonies in hives
- Identification of queens, drones, and worker bees
- Colony management: merging, splitting, and migration of bee colonies
- Disease prevention and pest management in apiaries
- Honey extraction techniques and post-harvest handling
- Marketing of bee products and information on government schemes available to beekeepers
The programme reaffirmed the commitment of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi-Morabadi, through its Divyayan KVK, to the upliftment of rural and tribal farming communities through scientific agricultural training and skill development.
