Big change doesn’t always begin with big investments. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as two bee boxes.
That belief came alive through the Shivaganga Kalanjia Jeevidam 10K Honey Bee Producer Company in Tumkur, Karnataka—a farmer-led initiative that transformed small beginnings into national recognition. More than a beekeeping effort, the initiative has emerged as a powerful example of how community-led enterprises can create sustainable livelihoods.
One such story is that of Mrs. Mangalamma from Manchagondanahalli village. With two bee boxes provided at no cost, she began her journey into honey production. In 2023–24, she harvested 12 kg of honey, earning ₹4,800. The following year, her yield rose to 13.5 kg, increasing her income to ₹5,400. What began as a zero-investment opportunity soon became a steady source of income and confidence.
The success of members like Mangalamma is rooted in a strong support system. ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hirehalli provided the initial 220 bee boxes and continuous technical training. The Shivaganga Kalanjia Jeevidam 10K FPO organized members, enabled collective action, and strengthened market access, while Jeevidam Limited, as the CBBO under the CSS 10K Scheme, anchored and guided the institution-building process.
This well-coordinated model—combining assets, skills, and collective marketing—soon gained wider attention. The initiative was featured by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the 128th episode of Mann ki Baat, telecast on 30 November 2025, where he highlighted how farmers, by working together, are producing, packaging, and marketing honey successfully and earning substantial incomes.
The Shivaganga Jeevidam story reminds us that rural transformation does not always need complex solutions. When the right asset meets the right knowledge and a supportive ecosystem, even a small bee box can become a source of livelihood, dignity, and national pride.
