Migration & Honey Collection
We migrate our bee colonies across Maharashtra and neighbouring states including Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, following seasonal flower sources to maximise honey production and pollination services.
Our strategic migration ensures optimal honey collection whilst providing essential pollination services to diverse agricultural regions throughout the year.
- Maharashtra – Primary operational base
- Rajasthan – Seasonal migration for specific flora
- Madhya Pradesh – Strategic pollination services
- Multiple flower sources – Sunflower, sesame, cotton, pomegranate
Pollination Services for Farmers
We provide approximately 170 bee colonies to farmers for pollination services across various crops, significantly enhancing their agricultural productivity.
Pomegranate
Enhanced fruit set and quality through targeted pollination services
Sunflower
Increased seed production and oil content with bee pollination
Vegetables & Fruits
Improved yields in mango orchards, moringa, and vegetable crops
Impact: Farmers experience 25-40% production increases through our pollination services, along with scientific guidance on bee-friendly farming practices.
Sales & Distribution
Our Products
- Pure Natural Honey
- Bee Pollen
- Propolis
- Royal Jelly
- Beeswax Products
All products undergo rigorous quality testing to ensure purity and authenticity. We sell directly to customers through exhibitions and demonstrations, maintaining complete transparency in our production process.
Educational Outreach
We conduct honeybee awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, reaching thousands of students annually. Our interactive programmes include drawing competitions, essay writing, rangoli, debates, and selfie contests to engage young minds with bee conservation.
Through these initiatives, we've successfully educated over 2,000 students about the importance of honeybees in our ecosystem and food security.
Honeybee Protection & Conservation
Honeybees are indispensable for nature and honey production. Their destruction disrupts natural balance. In India, beekeeping is practised both traditionally and commercially. Honeybees build hives and store honey and pollen within them.
These insects provide invaluable environmental services through pollination. When pollination improves, crop yields increase by 30-35%. Honeybees are truly nature's gift to humanity.
"If honeybees disappear from Earth, within a few years, the human race will also perish." – Albert Einstein
Fascinating Honeybee Facts
- Three types exist in a colony: queen bee, drone (male), and worker bees
- Queen bee lays 1,500-2,000 eggs daily
- Worker bees are larger than drones but drones don't have stingers and don't work
- Honeybees can fly at speeds of 20-30 km/hour
- They visit 50-100 flowers to collect nectar for honey
- Bees must fly 1,000 miles to produce 500 grams of honey
More Amazing Bee Facts
Honeybees produce 1/12th teaspoon of honey in their lifetime
They produce beeswax used for candles, cosmetics, and medicines
Queen bees live 2-3 years, drones 50-60 days, workers 35-50 days
Bees don't sleep and never rest
They transfer pollen between flowers, enabling fruit and seed production
Bee stings have therapeutic properties in Ayurveda for various ailments
Darker honey contains higher antioxidant properties
A single worker bee pollinates 80% of flowering plants
Tree Plantation Initiative
Taljai Tekdi Tree Plantation Programme
Date: 29th June 2024 | Location: Taljai Tekdi
Chief Guest: Hon. Shri Mahadev Mohite, Deputy Conservator of Forests
Participants: Retired Forest Workers Association, Pune
A total of 100 native trees were planted during this programme. Local residents received guidance on the importance of trees and their care. The event was highly successful and received coverage in local newspapers.
Bhambhurda Forest Park Plantation
Ashadhi Palkhi Celebration Tree Plantation
Date: 4th July 2024 | Location: Bhambhurda Forest Park
Trees including banyan, peepal, tamarind, mango, tulsi, jamun, and amla were planted. The event emphasised planting native Indian trees for honeybee conservation.
Key Message: "Plant native trees for honeybee conservation and protection. Stop planting foreign species like nilgiri, subabul, and leucaena which harm the environment and provide no benefit to honeybees."
Distinguished Guests: Yashwant Kejale, Ramrao Satav (Police Commissioner), Sureshchandra Varghade (Writer), and numerous nature lovers participated in this meaningful initiative.
Khadakwasla Dam Plantation Project
Tree Plantation & Honeybee Conservation
Date: 25th January 2025 | Location: Khadakwasla Dam Project, Gorhe Matale Settlement
Under the Green Thumb Tree Plantation Programme, tree planting activities were conducted at Gorhe Matale settlement. Mr. Patil (Lt. Colonel) and the project team were present.
Participants examined dam soil, tree planting, and maintenance work. Mr. Patil provided guidance on identifying suitable locations for honeybee pollination. Accordingly, 10 Stingless Honeybee Boxes were installed – initially 2 boxes with Cummins company officials present, then 8 more boxes, totalling 10 installations.
Attendees appreciated the "Save the Honeybees" and nature conservation initiative, expressing great satisfaction with this special project.
Forest Exhibition Opening Ceremony
Vandhara Exhibition & Honeybee Awareness
Date: 8th September 2024 | Location: Ganesh Temple, 247 Kasba Peth, Pune
The Vandhara Exhibition – Wildlife Rehabilitation Project was inaugurated by forest officer and Indian Natural Honeybees Director Shri Sanjay Marne during the Ganeshotsav celebration organised by Tvachya Konsar Samaj Sanstha.
Shri Marne shared information about honeybees' environmental importance, conservation, and agricultural contribution. A "Save the Honeybees" campaign with informational banners was displayed during the public Ganeshotsav celebration.
This special initiative created awareness about honeybees and nature conservation amongst devotees, workers, and Ganesh bhakts. Shri Sanjay Marne was felicitated for spreading the environmental protection message through social work.
Biodiversity Workshop
One-Day Biodiversity Workshop
Date: 17th July 2024 | Location: Bawdhan Forest Land
Chief Guests: Hon. PCCF Shri Tembhurnikar (Nagpur), Mr. N.R. Praveen (CCF, Pune), and other forest department officials
Various organisations participated in the wildlife treatment centre, presenting their perspectives. PCCF provided guidance and tips on wildlife conservation.
Shri Sanjay Marne, Director of Indian Natural Honeybees Pune, gave detailed information about honeybees and explained the importance of the "Save the Honeybees" initiative. He noted that this project would enable new wildlife and honeybee conservation projects.
He suggested that Forest Training Centres need training; training was provided at Kundal, and other centres can also receive training. The rescue centre was also inspected.
Celebrity Support
Shri Sayaji Shinde Visit
Date: 14th October 2022 | Location: Pune Forest Department
Film actor and Devrai Foundation representative Shri Sayaji Shinde visited the Pune Forest Department. Information about honeybees was shared with him.
He appreciated and encouraged the initiative, providing valuable support to the honeybee conservation movement through his platform and influence.
Community Recognition Events
15th Industry Day Celebration
Date: 26th January 2024
Nature-loving workers were awarded during the 15th Industry Day celebration. Attendees received honeybee information and table calendars were distributed to spread awareness about bee conservation.
Environmental Discussion Forum
Paryavaran Katta
Date: 24th January 2024
Various organisations came together through Pune's Vanrai Sanstha for this programme. Participating members received honeybee information along with calendars and brochures.
This collaborative platform enabled knowledge sharing and networking amongst environmental organisations working towards common conservation goals.
Nail-Free Tree Initiative
Tree Protection Campaign
Date: 18th February 2024 | Directors: Patil & Dhumal
Nails and materials were removed from trees along Paud Road. The team received honeybee information leaflets. The "Save the Honeybees" initiative was successfully implemented.
This campaign protected trees from damage whilst raising awareness about the interconnected nature of environmental conservation – healthy trees support healthy bee populations.
World Book Day Celebration
Sakal Presents: Library Selfie Competition
Date: 18th April 2024 | Results: 29th April 2024
Over 200 books were displayed in the selfie competition, including 50 books and brochures on honeybees. Results were announced on 29th April 2024, with prizes and certificates distributed to winners.
This innovative competition combined reading promotion with honeybee education, reaching a wide audience through social media engagement.
Sports Foundation Event
Krida Maharshi Haribhau Sane Pratisthan
Date: 19th November 2024 | Location: Patrakar Bhavan, Navi Peth, Pune
Programme with Dr. Vishwanath Karad, film actor Pravin Tarde, and other dignitaries. Attendees received honeybee information and books. The programme provided inspiration and encouragement for the conservation movement.
School Awareness Programmes
"Save the Honeybees" Educational Campaign
During 2024 and 2025, Indian Natural Honeybees Pune organised honeybee awareness programmes in various schools across Pune, reaching approximately 2,000 students with information about honeybees' importance, life cycles, and environmental contributions.
Various competitions were organised for students including drawing, essay writing, rangoli, debating, and selfie competitions to engage them creatively with bee conservation themes.
Competition Programme Details
Drawing Competition
Students created artistic representations of honeybees and their habitats
Essay Writing
Written compositions on honeybee importance and conservation
Rangoli Competition
Traditional floor art featuring bee-themed designs
Debate Competition
Structured discussions on environmental topics related to pollinators
Selfie Competition
Creative photography promoting bee awareness on social media
Participating Schools
Competitions were held at the following schools:
- Vidya Vikas School, Pune
- Kashinath Khutwad Smarak School, Pune
- Kau. Baburao Rairikar Vidyalaya, Urvade, Mulshi
- Vijay Mukund Athavale Secondary School, Nasrapur, Velha
- Sahajiwan Mitramandal, Sahakarnagar
Competition Success
A total of 600 students participated in these competitions. Participating students received trophies and certificates for their efforts. Students engaged in conversations about honeybees and gained experience, receiving in-depth educational information and inspiration on the subject.
Headmasters and teachers also expressed appreciation. The "Save the Honeybees" initiative's objective was successfully achieved through these educational programmes.
Basvant Honeybee Garden Award
Basvant Madhukranti Puraskar 2024
Date: 23rd December 2024 | Location: Basvant Madhmashi Udyan, Pimpalgaon, Nashik
Attended the Basvant Madhukranti Puraskar 2024 programme and inspected the garden. The Honeybee Udyan was excellent and informative. Shri Sanjay Marne inspected the garden.
Mr. Pawar, Director of Basvant Udyan, gifted a book on Honeybee Protection and Conservation. He shared information about previously conducted initiatives and appreciated the programme, extending best wishes for future work.
Attendees: Vidya Chaudhari (Retired ACF), Rishikesh Ausale (Beekeeper), and other officials and participants.
More Farmer Visits
3. Near Sinhagad – 3rd July 2024
Mr. Salil Bhagwat's site visit to farm with 30 Bee Boxes. Inspected boxes. CBRTI trainees come for practical training; good work is ongoing.
4. Sahakarnagar – 27th July 2024
Mr. Nitin Patil purchased 10 Bee Boxes with 50% KVIC subsidy. Started beekeeping and honey collection. Inspected bee boxes; work is progressing excellently.
5. Bawdhan – 16th January 2025
Mr. Mishra inspected 20 rental-type Bee Boxes in the society. Honeybee work is safely ongoing.
Latur Beekeeping Excellence
6. Latur – 18th July 2025
Inspected 50 Melifera Bee Boxes maintained by Mr. Dnyaneshwar Malile at Krushi Vidnyan Kendra, Latur. Honeybees' pollination work was excellent. Mr. Deshmukh (KVK Latur) was present.
Mr. Malile has 1,700 Bee Boxes in Rajasthan and runs a honey business. The Government approved and financed a Quality Nucleus Stock Development Centre project for Queen Bees through NHBM. Excellent work – congratulations and hats off!
My Beekeeping Journey
Starting Out – 30th January 2022
Purchased 5 Cerena Bee Boxes for beekeeping. Kept them at my Sankeshwar farm, inspecting twice weekly. Honeybees worked well.
February/March 2022
Honeybees swarmed 2-3 times. Collected swarms and released them back into boxes. This practical experience was excellent.
KVIC Site Visit: Mr. Panvencha conducted a site visit; work was progressing well. After 4-5 months, each honeybee colony swarmed once, but I remained patient.
Expanding the Mission
Training & Awareness
Subsequently started writing books, creating brochures, and running awareness programmes. Provided honeybee information to students and farmers. Started refresh training courses from 2023-24.
Beekeeping Practice
Started personal supply of Cerena Indica, Melifera, and Stingless Honeybee Boxes to farmers and organisations; received excellent response. So far, sold 170 boxes total (Cerena Indica, Melifera, Stingless Honeybees).
Sold small quantities of honey, pollen, and royal jelly capsules; experience was excellent.
2025 Progress
Placed 200 Melifera Bee Boxes in Rajasthan. Even after retirement, proud of the "Save the Honeybees" initiative.
Village Outreach Programme
1. Manghar Village, Mahabaleshwar, Satara
Date: 7th January 2025
Visited with Shri Nitin Patil (Beekeeper) and Shri Rajesh Datar (Sahakarnagar, Pune). KVIC provided beekeeping training to village families. Each family earns income through honey sales, creating secondary income and employment opportunities.
2. Andharwadhi, Tal. Kelapur, Dist. Yavatmal
Date: 28th July 2025
Tribal youth and women installed bee boxes and started natural honey production. Sanjay Marne (Former Assistant Conservator of Forests, Pune) and Indian Natural Honeybees Pune provided guidance, with Shri Kharat and Shri Kamble present.
Special focus on conserving local "Agya Mohol" and "Satli Madhmashi" species. Encouraged villagers towards self-reliance.
Scientific Beekeeping Training
Training Experience
Date: 3rd to 9th February 2025 | Location: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik
I participated in the Scientific Beekeeping training programme, gaining important and scientific information about beekeeping. Received a training certificate upon completion.
Key Topics:
- Scientific honeybee management
- Honey production processes
- Importance of pollination and crop impact
- Collection, processing, and storage of honey and other products
- Honeybee diseases, enemies, and remedies
- Marketing and business management
This training provided in-depth scientific knowledge of beekeeping, increasing my confidence to conduct beekeeping business more effectively and reliably.
State-Level Recognition
State-Level Madhumitra Award – 2024
Received the State-Level Madhumitra Award 2024 from Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board, Mumbai, for outstanding work in beekeeping.
Date: 26th June 2024 | Location: Sugar Complex, Agriculture Commissioner's Office
The honour was presented by Hon. Chairman Shri Ravindra Sathe (Minister of State rank) and Smt. R. Vimala (IFS), Chief Executive Officer. This was an extremely proud and joyful moment.
Other distinguished beekeepers from across the state were also honoured. I presented my written book "Honeybee Protection & Conservation" to all 12 officials present. They appreciated the book wholeheartedly and boosted my morale.
Community Service Events
Blood Donation Camp
Date: 10th August 2024 | Location: Aakanksha Pratisthan Sanchalit Shri Sainath Blood Centre, Kondwa
20 people donated blood at the camp organised by Aakanksha Pratisthan. Shri Sanjay Marne, Director of Indian Natural Honeybees Pune, was specially invited. He explained the importance of blood donation to donors and shared information about honeybee conservation and nature protection.
Shri Marne told donors: "Just as blood donation saves lives, honeybee conservation saves nature and agriculture."
This initiative achieved a confluence of social service and environmental protection. Donors and organisers expressed special satisfaction with this work.
Join Our Mission
Save the Honeybees
Together, we can protect India's vital pollinators and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and the environment. Join our mission to conserve honeybees through education, training, and practical beekeeping initiatives.
Get Training
Learn scientific beekeeping from certified trainers
Start Beekeeping
Begin your own sustainable beekeeping enterprise
Spread Awareness
Educate others about honeybee conservation
Support Conservation
Participate in our protection initiatives
Contact Indian Natural Honeybees, Pune
Sanjay Baburao Marne
Former Assistant Conservator of Forests, Pune Division (Retired)
Former Assistant Conservator of Forests, Pune Division (Retired)
Mobile: +91 9422525024 / 9422525024
Email: sanjay.marne@yahoo.in / sanjay.marnee@gmail.com
Email: sanjay.marne@yahoo.in / sanjay.marnee@gmail.com
Address: D-3, Shri Shankar Nagari, Near Vanaz Company, Cosmos Bank, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune-411038