KVIC launches RE-HAB pilot project in Kodagu

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched research project RE-HAB (Reducing Elephant Human Attack by using Bees) in Kodagu district.

KVIC president Vinaykumar Saxena inaugurated the RE-HAB pilot project at the College of Forestry in Ponnampet.

The project aims at controlling the human-elephant conflict. In the first phase, beehives were placed in the Nanacchi area on Sunday.

Depending on the success of the project, it can be extended to West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Assam.

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On average, 500 people are attacked by the elephants in Karnataka in a year.

KVIC deputy CEP Satyanarayana Shukla said that under the RE-HAB project, both man and elephant can be saved. It will also help in maintaining a balance in nature, along with the conservation of biodiversity.

Apiculture is not for business alone. It will help in increasing the production in agriculture. Along with honey, farmers can sell bee wax to supplement their income, he added.

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College of Forestry head Dr Cheppudira G Kushalappa also spoke on the occasion.

The programme commenced with offering floral tribute to a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi.

KVIC president Vinaykumar also visited the apiculture, bamboo resource centre, GIS lab and forest nursery at the college.

Honey bee colonies were distributed to the beekeeping trainees trained under the Honey Mission of KVIC.