07/07/2026
When Bees Bring Hope: A Tribal Woman's Journey Towards Sustainable Livelihood
In the remote village of Bhagdari in Akkalkuwa block of Nandurbar district, farming has always been the primary source of livelihood for families. However, changing weather patterns, erratic rainfall and crop losses have made agriculture increasingly uncertain. For Mrs. Pooja Vishal Vasave, President of the Bhagdari Nisarg Udyog Group, finding an additional source of income had become essential.
Through the support of MAVIM, Nandurbar, and HHH Foundation (Head Held
High), Bengaluru, Pooja found that opportunity in beekeeping
The project began with ten bee boxes, costing ₹50,000, with equal financial contribution from HHH Foundation and the beneficiary. While the support helped initiate the enterprise, the beneficiary's own investment created a strong sense of ownership and commitment.
Understanding that healthy bees need a healthy environment, Pooja and her husband Vishal prepared their farm well before introducing the bee colonies. They sowed mustard and sunflower and later raised around 100 native rose plants. They have also planned to plant drumstick trees during the monsoon, creating a year-round source of nectar and pollen for the bees while improving biodiversity on their farm.
The journey, however, was not without challenges. Unseasonal rains, extreme summer temperatures and strong winds affected flowering in the area, leading to a temporary decline in the bee population. With timely guidance from HHH Foundation's technical advisor, Mr. Tyagi, the family provided sugar solution as supplementary feed and carefully managed the colonies. Within 45 days, the bee population recovered, and all ten boxes became active again.
The first honey harvest is expected by the end of July. Every 30 to 45 days, the farm is expected to produce around 15–25 kg of honey. While HHH Foundation offers to procure honey at ₹400 per kilogram, local packaging and direct sales can fetch up to ₹600–700 per kilogram, providing an opportunity for higher income.
The impact of the initiative is already visible beyond one household. On World Environment Day, the farm hosted a learning visit attended by 15 women and four men farmers. Inspired by Pooja's experience, eight women expressed their willingness to start beekeeping themselves. Recognising this enthusiasm, HHH Foundation has shown interest in supporting an additional 30 bee boxes in the CMRC area, with beneficiary contribution.
> We always depended only on farming, but now beekeeping has given us another source of income and hope. It has also encouraged us to protect trees, flowers and nature because we understand how closely our livelihood depends on a healthy environment. Seeing our progress, many women in the village are now eager to start this activity themselves,"says Pooja Vishal Vasave
Pooja's story shows that climate-resilient livelihoods do more than increase income—they build confidence, strengthen communities and encourage people to care for the environment. With the support of MAVIM and HHH Foundation, one woman's initiative is inspiring many others to see beekeeping not just as an enterprise, but as a pathway to sustainable and resilient rural livelihoods
