In the quest for sustainable livelihoods, the answer to “Bee or not to bee” has become clear for many farmers in Northeast India, thanks to Caritas India’s innovative FARM project. This initiative, which operates across the region’s diverse agro-climatic zones, is not only making small farms more resilient but also empowering communities with the skills and confidence needed to thrive. Among the buzzing success stories is that of Raju Lakra, whose journey into beekeeping has transformed his family’s future and inspired many in his village.

In the diverse agro-climatic zones of Northeast India, Caritas India’s FARM project is making significant strides towards creating resilient small farms while maintaining a sustainable natural resource base. This initiative aims to empower communities through self-help and increased self-confidence, significantly improving their living conditions in areas such as economy/income, Panchayati Raj, and health.
In Dalgaon village, Kokrajhar District, Assam, Mr. Raju Lakra, a 46-year-old smallholder farmer, embodies the success of the FARM project. Practicing mixed cropping with his wife, Raju supports their three school-going children through agriculture and livestock. Their story illustrates the project’s impact on enhancing livelihoods through sustainable resource use and community empowerment.

On November 13, 2023, the Bongaigaon Gana Seva Society (BGSS), a partner organization of the Caritas India FARM Northeast program conducted a “Training on Beekeeping” as part of its capacity-building program. This training equipped Raju and other farmers with essential skills, such as identifying the queen bee, managing colonies across seasons, and extracting and processing honey. The training emphasized the importance of using modern bee boxes for efficient beekeeping.

Following the training, Raju informed the BGSS team about a wild bee colony in his backyard that he was unable to capture. Led by Mr. Anthony Basumatary, Field Program Associate, and Field Educator Mr. Augustus Chermako, the team successfully captured the wild colony and placed it in a scientific bee box. This intervention provided Raju with a new bee colony without incurring any costs.

Within four months, Raju harvested 3.5 kilograms of honey worth Rs. 1,500 from his bee box. He anticipates a greater yield in the upcoming honey flow season. Inspired by his success, other community farmers have adopted beekeeping on a larger scale. Raju has become a strong advocate for scientific beekeeping practices over traditional methods.

Beekeeping offers multiple benefits, providing income, food, and medicine. Honey and hive products are invaluable, and beekeeping supports agriculture through cross-pollination, enhancing crop yields. It also plays a significant role in forest conservation while offering supplementary income to beekeepers.

The project villages have shown great potential for beekeeping. The project has supported 18 new beekeepers so far, helping them multiply colonies and capture wild bee colonies to maximize benefits. The team remains dedicated to promoting sustainable beekeeping practices across the villages.

Caritas India’s FARM project is committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods through various initiatives tailored to the region’s unique agro-climatic conditions. By empowering smallholder farmers like Raju, the project helps build resilient communities capable of overcoming economic and environmental challenges.

The success of the FARM project lies in its holistic approach, addressing not only the immediate needs of the communities but also fostering long-term resilience. Through self-help and increased self-confidence, the living conditions of empowered communities have significantly improved in the areas of economy/income, Panchayati Raj, and health.

As Caritas India continues its efforts, the organization remains focused on supporting the affected populations through sustained interventions. The FARM project is a testament to the power of community collaboration and strategic financial planning in transforming lives and fostering resilience against future adversities.

By working in various agro-climatic zones, the project ensures that small farms are resilient and maintain a sustainable natural resource base. This approach not only aids in immediate recovery but also contributes to the long-term development and sustainability of the communities.
Caritas India’s FARM project is a shining example of how targeted interventions and community engagement can lead to significant improvements in livelihood and resilience. Through the support of partners like BGSS and the dedication of community members like Raju Lakra, the project is making a tangible difference in the lives of many in Northeast India.