Beekeeping, a unique and rewarding field, has immense potential for those who take it up with passion and commitment. While the prospect of harvesting pure honey, known for its medicinal and healing properties, might not seem like a lucrative business to some, for Mapusa-based master bee trainer Melwyn De Souza, it has become a lifelong pursuit. For around three decades, Melwyn has dedicated himself to educating and training people about the art and science of beekeeping, proving that it can be just as profitable and fulfilling as any other profession.

An unassuming figure in Mapusa, Melwyn’s journey in beekeeping was not without interruptions. After taking a break for a few years for other pursuits, he fully immersed himself in the field around 20 years ago and has since remained committed to it. However, his fascination with the natural world began not with bees, but with butterflies. As a young boy, he developed a passion for catching and releasing butterflies, marvelling at their variety and vibrant colours.

“Somehow, I was drawn to catching butterflies in my younger days. Back then, there was an abundance of them, and I enjoyed observing their beauty. Slowly, my curiosity expanded to bees and I decided to venture into beekeeping,” Melwyn recalls. “Thirty years ago, there were no facilities for beekeeping, and the field wasn’t taken seriously like it is today.”

Initially, he treated it as a hobby, travelling to Honnavar to procure the necessary equipment, a practice he continues even today for large-scale operations. Currently associated with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) under the Agriculture Department, he travels extensively across the State and beyond, giving talks and training students and farmers in beekeeping.

Melwyn is also affiliated with the Khadi Village Industries Board (KVIB), a State government agency, and the Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC), a Central government body.

“Many times, people find beehives in their compounds and call me to relocate them, which I do successfully. I also spend time conducting research on bees and training students. The best time to harvest quality honey is from November to April, and during this period, I put in extra effort to maximise honey production. For those who feel that honey production has limited scope, I encourage them to explore value-added honey products, which have immense market potential,” he says.

He underscores the benefits of honey and wax, describing honey as a natural gift with significant medicinal value and an indefinite shelf life when harvested correctly.

“Beekeeping is a fascinating science. Goa’s climate and greenery provide ideal conditions for it to thrive. I urge people to protect nature and prevent deforestation. Bees are vital for pollination and maintaining ecological balance. Without them, humanity faces a grim future,” Melwyn concludes, appealing for greater awareness and action to preserve this integral part of nature.

The end all

and bee all for human survival

The tiny insects are the world’s most important pollinators, making them crucial for the survival of all humans and animals on the planet. Without bees, a large chunk of fruits, vegetables, grains and other crops that we consume may die out.

Melwyn is deeply concerned about the destruction of bees’ natural habitats. He warns that deforestation and the cutting of trees are driving bees away, disrupting pollination and threatening crop productivity. “Every State has its own species of bees that thrive in local ecosystems. When trees are cut and not replaced, bees lose their natural habitat. They may settle in man-made structures temporarily, but without greenery and flowers, they can’t survive, and the entire ecosystem is thrown off balance,” he says.

Melwyn also highlights the threat of bee diseases, which can devastate entire colonies. He stresses the importance of regular monitoring and care to ensure the health of hives. Additionally, he advocates for standardising beekeeping equipment and calls for more aggressive promotion of the field

by authorities.