LIFE OF A HONEY COLLECTOR- STORY OF RASHID
Post-independence, bee collection hiked but the life of bee collectors did not. Most of them form a part of the unorganised sector and continue to live a life of poverty and misery. White honey collectors of Bhaderwah shares the same fate. After a long arduous journey consisting of steep slopes, crossing mighty Chenab and a full day of the gruelling task of collection, they get a meagre amount for the hard work they put in.
Rashid has three children two girls and a boy. All of them are under 14 years of age. Inconsistency in the opening of schools has led the children to remain at home. Asifa and Kaneez help their mother in household chores while Murad is following the footsteps of his father by learning the art of collecting honey. On one hand, Rashid wants Murad to inherit the skills of his forefathers but on the other hand fears for the uncertainty of the job. A stable income and proper distribution channels are what they ask for.
Keeping aside direct procurement with high margins, Aswah has also come up with a programme to educate these farmers on professional bee-keeping, collection and problems faced by the colony of bees. Information regarding modern techniques, tools to use, protective gears and nutritional replacements for honey bees, Aswah is doing its bit for the betterment of these people.
It takes experienced hands to collect the best and churn the finest thick creamy texture out of it. We are trying to make the best use of their skills and give them what they deserve. Micro, Small and Medium enterprises, cottage industries based solely on Bee harvesting are being provided easy financial assistance under many government-funded schemes. Khadi and village industry commission is one of the few good steps taken for direct procurement of honey.
All in all a lot has been done, but a lot more needs to be done.
Colony Collapse disorder!
There isn’t an iota of doubt on the importance of pollinators for the life on earth and bees top the list. Sadly their colonies are dying at an alarming rate. Main causes include-
· Invasion by Varroa mites
· Diseases such as Israeli Acute Paralysis virus and the gut parasite Nosema.
- Pesticide poisoning through exposure to pesticides applied to crops or for in-hive insect or mite control.
· Inadequate forage/poor nutrition.