Honey
Process
We at Grameya procure honey from tribes residing around Sitamata Forest Reserve spread over 423 square kilometers in Southern Rajasthan. The land is undulating because of the confluence of three different formations — Malwa Plateau, the Vindhyachal Hills and Aravali mountain ranges.
In the Sitamata Forest Reserve, tribes procure honey using age-old techniques passed down through generations. They venture into the forest in search of wild beehives nestled in trees and cliffs. The tribes uses a very unique method of collection of honey. At night, they insert a thin pipe in honeycombs without harming or disturbing their habitat. They place a vessel below the honeycomb and lets the honey drip into the vessel overnight. Its a very unique method as honey collectors either uses smoke to ward off the bees or simply cuts the honeycomb off the tree. Both the practises are inducing cruelty to the bees.
The honey collected by the tribes in the Sitamata Forest Reserve is pure and authentic. These indigenous communities have a profound knowledge of the forest ecosystem and have honed their skills in sustainable honey harvesting over centuries. They refrain from using chemicals or modern methods, ensuring the honey remains unadulterated and retains its natural flavors and health benefits.
The purity of the honey is further ensured by the fact that the bees feed on a diverse range of wildflowers and plants found in the pristine forest environment. This contributes to the unique taste and quality of the honey, making it highly sought after by many who appreciate its authenticity.
The tribes’ practice of honey procurement in the Sitamata Forest Reserve not only supports their traditional way of life but also contributes to the conservation of the forest and its biodiversity, as they carefully manage their activities to maintain a healthy bee population and preserve the natural habitats. and it gives us immense pleasure to be able to contribute to the livelihood of the tribal folks.