The ICAR-IIHR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES), Chettalli organized a three day training programme on “Scientific Honey Bee Keeping and Apiary Management” under the RKVY project during 26^th to 28^th November, 2025 at CHES, Chettalli. The main aim was to improve the bee keeping skills of farmers in a scientific way to increase the productivity of crops through pollination support and production of honey and other beehive products to increase their income. The programme started with the inauguration of exhibition by Dr. Ravishankar K.V., Principal Scientist and Nodal officer, RKVY Projects Cell, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru and other guests. Exhibition included the display of different honey bee species, their natural enemies and bee keeping equipment. Dr. Rani A.T., Senior Scientist and Training Coordinator welcomed the gathering and briefed about the training programme. The Guest of Honour Dr. P. Venkata Rami Reddy, Principal Scientist, Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, explained the importance of honey bees in rural economy and horticulture. The Chief Guest Dr. Ravishankar K.V. appreciated the efforts of scientists in conducting the training programme and briefed the different activities implemented under RKVY project. The e-training manual was released and the bee hives along with kit were distributed to the beneficiaries. Dr. Muralidhara, B.M., Senior Scientist (Fruit Science) and Head (I/c), CHES-Chettalli, presided over the programme, explained about the importance of Coorg honey, honey bees and beekeeping in Kodagu district. The inaugural programme ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Rajendiran S., Senior Scientist (Soil Science), CHES-Chettalli.

The inaugural programme was followed by a lecture on ‘Basics of scientific beekeeping’ by Dr. PVR Reddy. In the afternoon trainees were explained and demonstrated the role of bees in pollination. On 27/11/2025, trainees were taken to College of Forestry, Ponnampet where Dr. R. N. Kenchareddy taken theory and practicals on Management of bee hives in different seasons, queen rearing, dividing and shifting of bee colonies, honey extraction, stingless bee management etc. Trainees were given hands-on experience in handling bee colonies and honey extraction.

On 28/11/2025, the morning session was handled by Dr. Muralidhara, B.M., regarding achievements of CHES, Chettalli. Later Dr, Rani delivered lectures on use of bee keeping equipment, bee flora management, honey bee pests and disease management. Afternoon session included theory and practical on artificial feed management, honey harvesting, processing and storage.

The Valedictory programme was graced by Dr. R. N. Kencharaddy and Mr. Hemanth Kumar from the College of Forestry, Ponnampet. Trainees shared their experience and gave positive feed back on training and expressed confidence that they could take up beekeeping. In total 28 trainees from three districts viz., Kodagu, Chikmagalur and Hassan of Karnataka participated in the training programme.