(NB/GOA/FSDD/FPO/PODF-ID/962/2025-26 POPI-TERI)

Prepared by
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Goa

Table of Contents

I. Narrative Description of Project:
The present project is for promoting FPO amongst beekeepers and farmers in the state of Goa. Pollination is an essential ecosystem service that results in an increase in food security and improvement of livelihoods. Goa has Western Ghats falling talukas, and the state’s foothills are abundant in honey bee populations, including stingless bees. Tribals are traditionally honey hunters of rock bees, Indian bees and stingless bees. The tribals traditionally raise stingless bees in bamboo and earthen pots. They produce enough honey for household consumption. Now it is required that they should be taught the modern stingless beekeeping techniques to get a higher yield of honey and also to use the bee boxes for pollination purposes, particularly to promote the species of Apis cerana indica. The main objectives are to form and support a Beekeeping Farmers’ Producer Organisation (FPO) comprising tribal and smallholder farmers in Goa’s Western Ghats. The aim is to enhance income generation, self-reliance, and livelihood diversification through sustainable and eco-friendly apiculture (beekeeping).

II. Target Area is Canacona Block, Kushavati District, and Goa:
The proposed honey cluster will cover the villages of Cotigao, Gaondongrem, Poinguinim, Shristhal, and Agonda in Canacona Block, Kushavati District, Goa, benefiting 300 women-led ST households/enterprises engaged in honey production and related activities.

III. Main Objective of Formatting FPO:
To form and support a Beekeeping Farmers’ Producer Organization (FPO) comprising tribal and smallholder farmers in Goa’s Western Ghats. The aim is to enhance income generation, self-reliance, and livelihood diversification through sustainable and eco-friendly apiculture (beekeeping).

1. Formation of FPO: Awareness and mobilization of farmers (300 beekeepers Honey cluster)
2. Registration: Under Cooperative Act.
3. Training & Capacity building
4. Infrastructure Development
5. Market Linkages

IV. Project Progress Status:

A. Sanctioned: 12th Feb, 2026

B. Awareness & Mobilization programme:

The event marked the launch of the Women-Led Formation and Promotion of the FPO–Honey Cluster in the
tribal region of Goa, with the objective of promoting sustainable livelihoods, empowering tribal women, and
strengthening local honey value chains. An expert talk on the theme “Give to Gain” emphasized the
importance of collaboration, collective action, and community participation for inclusive and sustainable
development.

On World Bee Day, 20 May 2026, the Honey Cluster FPO celebrated “From Forests to Future”,
promoting sustainable honey-based livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, collective enterprise, market
linkages, and tribal beekeeper empowerment, with the launch of the FPO name and logo, BOD
welcome, beekeeper certificate distribution, membership registration, and inauguration of the FPO
office.

Nomination and Appointment: The Kushavati Beekeepers FPO is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors (BoD), which serves as the governing body responsible for overall supervision and strategic decision-making, while the CEO and Accountant manage the day-to-day operations, administration, financial management, and business activities of the FPO.

Board of Directors

BOD Meeting: Monthly Board of Directors (BoD) meetings are conducted with the participation of DDM-NABARD Mr. Rupesh Bhomaikar, BoD members of the FPO, TERI-POPIs, and Raika Honey (Honey Experts). The meetings focus on FPO registration under the Co-operative Societies Act, shareholder membership, appointment of the CEO and Accountant, opening of the FPO bank account, and awareness and mobilisation of members.

Awareness, Capacity Building and Mobilisation on Beekeeping Programme: Awareness, mobilisation, and basic training on beekeeping commenced on 13 June 2026 across six villages in Canacona Block-Cotigao, Gaondongrem, Poinguinim, Shristhal, Loliem, and Agonda. During the programme, the Chairman, BoD members, POPIs, and Raika Honey representatives sensitised participants about the Honey Cluster and provided basic training on beekeeping practices.
Villages Mobilisation of Members: Members were mobilised from Poinguinim (56), Cotigao (43), Gaondongrim (64), Shristhal (63), Loliem (25), and Agonda (51), with a total of 302 members mobilized across the six villages.

World Environment Day was observed on 5 June 2026 through awareness and mobilization of tribal women’s SHGs on beekeeping as a means of conservation, pollination, and sustainable livelihood and income generation.

C. Project Implementation and Monitoring Committee-PIMC: 26th June 2026 meeting was conducted to constitute the DLMC/PIMC & review the progress of the FPO and recommendation.

The meeting was attended by the GM Shri Sandeep Dharkar and DDM Mr. Rupesh Bhamoikar from NABARD RO Goa, BOD members of Kushavati Beekeepers FPO, FPO staff, and committee members.
Mr. Santosh Gad, POPI (TERI), presented an update on the activities undertaken and the progress achieved by Kushavati Beekeepers FPO to date. He further highlighted that, as per the project guidelines, a DLMC/PIMC is required to be constituted. Accordingly, officials from the concerned departments were invited for the review meeting and for the formation of the committee for the first quarter. The committee was duly constituted.

Current Status of the FPO:

1. Awareness & Mobilization 304 members
2. Total Shareholder Register members 194 members (Rs. 10/- Fee + Rs. 100/- Share)
3. Total Shareholder collected Rs, 31,130/-
4. Total BoD’s-11 members (Rs. 10/-Fee + Rs. 1000/- Share)
   Registration of FPO-“Kushavati Beekeepers FPO” Multipurpose Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society Ltd., under process

 Recommendation for Convergence of other Departments Schemes
 Financial inclusion-KCC, Krish Card
 Plantation & Floriculture –Marigold /Drumsticks
 Nursery Rising –Local Chili saplings
 Organic Farming-Vermicomposting
 Gram Vihar to promote rural eco-tourism
 Grow further model of Collective community farming

D. NABARD Foundation Day – 14 July 2026: The Kushavati Beekeepers FPO participated in the NABARD Foundation Day programme, where the progress and status of the FPO were highlighted. FPO members were felicitated in recognition of their efforts, dedication, and contribution towards strengthening the Honey Cluster.

E. FPO Registration-14 July 2026:

The registration process of Kushavati Beekeepers FPO was initiated on 14 July 2026 under Section 8 of the Goa Co-operative Societies Act, 2001, with documentation being processed for registration as an MPACS Ltd. The application is currently under process through the Quepem Regional Office, Government of Goa, under the Registrar of Co-operative Societies.

F. World Mangrove Day was celebrated on 26 July 2026 in the Poinguinim VP mangrove area, highlighting the importance of mangrove forests, pollination, and sustainable honey cultivation, particularly through stingless bees.

G. FPO Registration – 27 July 2026: The Kushavati Beekeepers FPO Multipurpose Primary
Agriculture Cooperative Society Ltd. was officially registered under the Cooperative Societies Act, and the registration certificate bearing Registration No. RCSQZ2026270047 was issued. A short programme was also organised to mark and celebrate the successful registration of the FPO.

H. World Tribal Day was celebrated on 9 August 2026 with participation in the Ran Bhaji Mahotsav,
highlighting the seasonal and natural forest foods, their medicinal and nutritional importance, and various traditional recipes prepared and exhibited by tribal women.

I. Target Achievement:
The project has achieved significant milestones, including mobilisation of 300 women-led ST beneficiaries, formation and registration of the Kushavati Beekeepers FPO, constitution of an 11-member Board of Directors, constitution of DLMC/PIMC, appointment of the CEO and Accountant, and initiation of awareness, capacity-building, and basic beekeeping training across the target villages.

V. Annexure Details

2. Registration certificate FPO:

One Day Workshop on Agro-Ecotourism 1st July 2025
STI-Hub Gaondongrem, Canacona South Goa
Venue: Bhupar Kulgati Temple Hall, Gaondongrim
TERI Hosts a Workshop for STI-Hub Project, One Day Workshop on Agro-Ecotourism
TERI organized a one-day training workshop under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub project, supported by the DST-SEED division, empower and promoting Yong farmers and Self -Help Group (SHG) under ST community members through skill development in agro-ecotourism. The workshop focuses on awareness about the agro-eco-tourism and there is great scope to agricultural activities to promote Agro-eco tourism in harmony with nature and promote enhanced income generation in rural areas. Agro-eco-tourism is the new value added agricultural business, for improving the incomes and potential economic viability of small farms and rural communities. “Agro-Eco-Tourism – A new Dimension to Agriculture”.
The workshop was graced by distinguished guests including Dr. R. Solomon Rajkumar (Senior Scientist) ICAR-CCARI-Goa, Mr. Vinod A. Ubarhande (Farm Superintendent) ICAR-CCARI-Goa, Mr. Rupesh Bhamoikar-(DDM, South) NABARD-Goa,Mr. Deepak Narvekar, (Dy General Manager Mktg) GTDC-Goa. Mr Rajesh Gaonkar, Chairman of the STI-Hub Farmers Association and Jan Vikas Vividha Karyakari Sahakari Seva Saunstha Maryadit. Mr Santosh Gad (Associate Fellow, TERI & Principal Investigator – DST-SEED Project).
During the workshop, practical presentation was conducted by experts on agri eco-tourism in a local language also highlighted on going successes story of agro eco-tourism activities in goa. Interaction session was conducted with farmers on agri ecotourism, presents agriculture practices and natural site in the village area.
For second half all groups were taken to the field visit to village waterfalls and agriculture activities.
The aim is to provide and promote young farmers, SHG members to enhance and to conservation and make livelihood

Training workshop Value Addition 5^th May 2025

STI-Hub Product launching 6^th May 2025

Venue: Malikarjun Temple Hall, Gaondongrim

TERI Hosts a Workshop for STI-Hub Project, Launches Local Products in Goa

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TERI organized a one-day training workshop under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub project, supported by the DST-SEED division, to empower Self-Help Group (SHG) under ST community members through skill development in value addition. The event focused on the processing of locally available seasonal products—jackfruit and kokum—for income generation and livelihood enhancement.

The workshop was graced by distinguished guests including Mrs Sunetra Talaulikar (Retired Senior Scientist ICAR-KVK, North Goa), Mr Shivaram Gaonkar (Project Director, ATMA, Department of Agriculture, Goa), Mr Nagesh Komarpant (Assistant Director of Agriculture, Directorate of Agriculture, Goa), Mr Vijayanand Naik (District Officer, Goa Khadi and Village Industries Board), Mr Rajesh Gaonkar, Chairman of the STI-Hub Farmers Association and Jan Vikas Vividha Karyakari Sahakari Seva Saunstha Maryadit,  Mr Suparajit Raikar (Apiculturist, M/s Raika & Co.), along with Mr Santosh Gad (Associate Fellow, TERI & Principal Investigator – DST-SEED Project) and Ms Karishma A Gad (Team member).

During the workshop, hands-on training sessions were conducted to demonstrate various processing techniques and value addition methods for jackfruit and kokum. The aim was to provide SHG members with practical knowledge and handholding support to initiate micro-enterprises and enhance livelihood opportunities in the region.

Launch of Local Products under DST-SEED Project

On 6th May 2025, a significant milestone was achieved under the DST-SEED project with the official launch of local products at a workshop organized in Gaondongrem, Canacona, Goa. The event brought together key stakeholders from the government, agriculture, and ST community-based organizations, showcasing the collaborative efforts toward sustainable rural development and livelihood enhancement.

The event was graced by Hon’ble Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Mr Ramesh Tawadkar, as the Chief Guest. Other esteemed guests included Shri Shivaram Gaonkar, Project Director – ATMA; Mr Nagesh Komarpant, Assistant Director of Agriculture; Mr Mahendra Pagi, ZAO Canacona; Mr Suparajit Raikar, Apiculturist from M/s Raika & Co; Mr Rajesh Gaonkar, Chairman – STI-Hub Farmers Association; and Mr Prabhakar Gaonkar, representing JVVKSSSM.

Mr Santosh Gad, Associate Fellow, TERI, presented the progress and milestones achieved. He emphasized how the project is helping local ST communities through training, capacity building, and support in value addition.

As part of the event, four local value-added products—Honey, Rice, Cashew Nuts, and Chili Powder—were officially launched. These products were developed in collaboration with the STI-Hub Gaondongrem and the Jan Vikas Vividha Karyakari Sahakari Seva Saunstha Maryadit (JVVKSSSM).

In his address, Hon’ble Speaker Goa, Mr Ramesh Tawadkar commended the efforts of the farmers and organizations involved. He encouraged farmers across villages to come forward and actively engage with institutions like TERI, utilizing available support to strengthen their livelihoods. He highlighted the importance of such grassroots efforts in achieving the vision of the Swampurna Bharat Mission, where rural development, self-reliance, and local entrepreneurship are central.

The event marked a vital step towards empowering local communities and building a self-sustaining rural economy in Goa.

Department of Science and Technology (DST)

Science for Equity, Empowerment & Development (SEED) Division

Science Technology Innovation (STI) Hub

Project:  Cluster Developemnt – Chili Cultivation & Organic-Vermicomposting

Sapana Village Orgnization .

Support Livelihood for SHG

Gaondongari means village of mountains. Gaon means village and dongari means hill or mountain, it is a combination of two separate words Gaon & dongri that is (Gaondongari). It is a beautiful village in Canacona, which is surrounded by lovely nature. It has natural life style. All people are peaceful and hardworking; Agriculture is the main profession. “Shifting cultivation” is one of the most primitive forms of agriculture which is still practices in Gaondongari shifting cultivation is not merely a method of cultivation; it is a way of life well integrated with the tribal culture at a particular level of existence. Village has its own significant history. The village comprises of 22 hamlets that have been grouped into 9 wards.

Traditionally the farmers were cultivating three varieties of Chili cultivation in a village.

Details Table of Chili Variety:

The village having about 1173 families with population of about 5387 was dependent on the agriculture activities produce obtained from land holdings. The main income being from Agriculture –paddy cashew, horticulture, chili & vegetables area. There were 5 stream and pond, well, river helping farmers to cultivate the land throughout the year. During rainy seasons 80% area cover under paddy Fields & in hilly slope area and mostly cultivating chili during rainy seasons.

Area details & Problem:

• Topography of the area having 50% area under hilly terrain
• Insufficient irrigation facilities.
• Insufficient funds to create infrastructure like fencing, wells, water storage, fund, mechanized equipment’s etc.
• Lack of capacity building to work in Co-operation and take risk.

Present status:

After our area visit, interaction & motivation the SHGs members are ready to go with chili cluster & Vermicomposting under NRLM to support the livelihood.

SHGs & some individual farmers’ s have come together and are interested in bringing this land under cultivation of cluster farming model of chili and vermicomposting.

SHGs meeting            Dongri -Kamtachi chili               Porsachi Chili

  Chili plot                 

Table of SHGs list -Production of chili cultivation & vermicomposting: (Strategic Action Plan in brief)

• Training & Demonstration -Solar -Dry-hydrator /Dryer- Solar Dehdration Technology In Food Processing 2nd  March 2024

Drying foods using solar energy Mr, Sachine Sangle, experts from Puna Based Sunshine Solar Pvt. Ltd., He given details talk to the farmers about the solar dryer important about technology & process. He said the basic function of a solar dryer is to heat air to a constant temperature with solar energy, which facilitates extraction of humidity from foods inside a drying chamber. Drying foods using solar energy helps in retaining the colour, Flavour and nutritional value to a large extent. It can minimize cost, wastage and increase the productivity in terms of quality and quantity.

Mechanization of farming practices: (13th Jan 2024) Mechanization of labour intensive practices such as tilling/ploughing/digging, hand-harvesting and threshing, traditional irrigation, etc. to increase production capabilities: Introduction of mechanization of farming practices to farmers/cultivators to produce rice, tubers and vegetables more efficiently using Power Tiller, weed cutter, Knapsack and gator sprayers, Paddy thresher (motorized), digging/planting machine, etc.

Under the project implementation activities on machination. Mr, Abhimanyu Gavekar from Udayjit Agri Mart Pvt, Ltd. He explains about the important of power teller cultivation methods, operation & maintenance of the teller. Also reduce the labour cost and also to save our time of telling the land for cultivation.

Jan Vikas Vividha Karyakari Sahakari Seva Saunstha Maryadit-Gaondongrem, Canacona-Goa

(Reg, No(C)/2-SOUTH GOA/2006)

Training Programme

Agricultural practices: Improved agricultural methods and organic certification: Organic certification of the agricultural/horticultural produce: Improved methods and practices in fields of participating farmers will be applied in fields of participating farmers and data will be recorded for further analysis and improvement. Farmers will be encouraged and trained to get organic certification for their produce.

Under the projects Improving farming output of organic crops through workshops/trainings and mechanization- We organize one day training & Demonstration of Vermicomposting. Trainer from the Madhura Agro Services, Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Mr, Shashikant Kulkarni Trainer explain about the vermicomposting /Organic manual important/production /Health benefits of soil & man finally cost & marketing demand of the organic own maid fertilizer. He also demonstrated & Installing the HDPE Bed for culture & development of Vermi Compost.

Training on Vermicomposting & Demonstration 🙁 11th Jan 2024)

Total 23 Participants Participated during the training programme in their members of SHGs & farmers attended the programme with demonstration and installation of HDPE Bed in four farmers or SHGs field area.

Vermes Spices : Padmavati Seed (Local Name)

Department of Science and Technology (DST)

Science for Equity, Empowerment & Development (SEED) Division

Science Technology Innovation (STI) Hub

Science Technology and Innovation Hub in Gaondongrem Village, Canacona Block, South Goa District, Goa

STI Hub Farmers Association

STI Hub Farmers Association-Jan Vikas Vividha Karyakari Sahakari Seva Saunstha

(Reg. No. © /2-South Goa /2006).

The association includes 800 no’s of beneficiaries from the ST community and 8 nos of committee members representing the Gaondongrem Village Panchayat.

Vermicomposting Activity

Mechanization

Beekeeping Activities

Water harvesting for irrigation

STI-Hub CFC & Roof Top Rainwater harvesting

Nursery Unit                                                           Solar Dryer setup

Solar Irrigation System

Training & workshop on Agro- ecotourism

Value Additions Local Seasonal Food Product

Launches Local Products

Local food product lab testing -FSSAI

Marketing Local Food products

Training Manual

1) Vermicomposting 

2) Natural Farming

3) Beekeeping Activity

4) Oyster Mushroom cultivation

5) Chili Cultivation Group activity  

6.) Local Food product –lab Testing –FSSAI (Nutritional/Quality and Shelf life)

1. Karjat Rice 2. Chilli powder 3. Honey 4. Cashew nuts