In the quiet hamlet of Manchagondanahalli in Tumkur District, Karnataka, a transformation has been quietly buzzing—led by a resilient woman named Mangalamma, the wife of Ramappa. Like many women in her village, Mangalamma was once confined to household chores and seasonal agricultural work, her income tied to erratic rainfalls and market prices. But her journey took a sweet turn when she embraced a new identity: a honey bee keeper.
Planting the Seeds of Change
Mangalamma’s turning point began with her active participation in the Sri Vinayaka Kalanjiam Jeevidam (PPG) and her role as a shareholder of the Shivaganga Kalanjia Jeevidam 10K Honey Bee Producer Company Limited. She was not just a passive member; she was curious, eager, and determined to find new ways to support her family.
When the FPO collaborated with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hirehalli, Tumkur, to offer training in honey bee keeping, Mangalamma seized the opportunity. Guided by honey bee expert Mr. Laganandam, she underwent both theoretical and practical sessions—learning everything from identifying healthy colonies to safely harvesting honey.
These training sessions weren’t just about bees—they were about building confidence. For Mangalamma, handling live bees for the first time wasn’t easy, but with patient mentoring and peer encouragement, she overcame her fears and developed hands-on expertise. This capacity-building process helped her transition from uncertainty to mastery, one bee box at a time.
Support that Made the Difference
Recognizing her enthusiasm, the FPO and KVK jointly supported her with two high-quality bee boxes, free of cost, valued at Rs. 11,400. This eliminated the initial financial burden—a major barrier for many smallholder women farmers. With proper care and application of training knowledge, Mangalamma began honey production right from her backyard.
KVK officials visiting Mangalama’s Field
Sweet Results: Income with Impact
Her hard work bore fruit—or rather, nectar.
Thanks to her FPO’s fair pricing system, she earned Rs. 2,550 more than she would have through local market channels. This shows how organized collective marketing can enhance rural incomes, especially for niche products like raw honey.
Her efforts attracted recognition from scientists at KVK and ICAR, Bengaluru, who visited her farm and appreciated her progress. This acknowledgment has further fueled her motivation.
Beyond Income: The Ripple Effect
For Mangalamma, the benefits are not only financial. Her newfound identity as a honey bee keeper has enhanced her self-esteem and her standing in the community. She now shares her experiences with other women in her FIG and SHG, becoming an informal mentor and motivator.
Her story also exemplifies how FPOs, when paired with scientific institutions like KVKs, can catalyze women-led agri-entrepreneurship. The combination of training, startup support, and a ready market ecosystem makes rural enterprise more accessible and less risky.
The Road Ahead: Scaling the Hive
Looking ahead, Mangalamma plans to:
She dreams of establishing a small-scale, home-based honey value addition unit—one that her family can help manage, and which could generate year-round income.
