Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The North Goa District Mineral Foundation (DMF) on Tuesday launched the “Goa Amrutkumbh Honey” brand as part of a livelihood enhancement initiative aimed at supporting farmers from mining-affected areas through beekeeping.
The brand was launched by North Goa Collector and Chairman of North Goa District Mineral Foundation, Ankit Yadav, IAS, at the Conference Hall of the North Goa Collectorate in Panaji.
The initiative, titled “Enhancing Livelihoods by Skilling in Beekeeping for Farmers in Mining Affected Areas,” has been funded by the North Goa DMF with technical support from ATMA.
Under the first phase of the programme, 20 farmers from the mining belt of North Goa were trained in beekeeping and provided with the required equipment. The Bardez Beekeepers Society has been entrusted with implementation of the project, including procurement and farmer support.
Officials stated that participating farmers have already sold more than 30 kilograms of honey to the society, generating an assured income of ₹900 per kilogram through structured procurement.
The Bardez Beekeepers Society has provided end-to-end assistance to farmers including training, supply of equipment, honey extraction support, procurement assurance and continuous handholding.
The newly launched “Goa Amrutkumbh Honey” has been promoted as a completely local Goan product produced by farmers from mining-affected regions of North Goa.
The District Mineral Foundation is now in the process of identifying 40 additional farmers from the mining belt for the next phase of training and support under the project.
Interested farmers from mining-affected areas of North Goa have been encouraged to approach the DMF office for enrolment or visit the official website of the foundation for further details.
During the programme, Bardez Beekeepers Society Secretary Medha Monteiro briefed attendees about the beekeeping initiative, while CEO of the Mineral Foundation Dr. Sachin Tendulkar welcomed the guests.
