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Indian Natural Honeybees, Pune
Dedicated to honeybee conservation, sustainable beekeeping, and environmental protection across Maharashtra. Empowering farmers, youth, and communities through scientific beekeeping practices and awareness programs.
Award-Winning Initiative
About Sanjay Marne & Indian Natural Honeybees
Professional Background
Sanjay Baburao Marne, retired Assistant Conservator of Forests (Pune Division), founded Indian Natural Honeybees in 2023. With B.Com education and 64 years of life experience, he brings deep forest knowledge to beekeeping.
Mission & Vision
Operating across Maharashtra with 270 bee colonies (Apis cerana indica, Apis mellifera, and stingless Tetragonula species), the organisation promotes scientific beekeeping, pollination services, and pure honey production whilst creating rural employment opportunities.
Our Core Services & Achievements
Training & Education
Conducted awareness programmes for 3,000+ farmers and students across Maharashtra. Organised competitions in 600+ schools covering drawing, essay writing, rangoli, and debates on honeybee conservation.
Pollination Services
Supplied approximately 170 bee colonies to farmers for pollination of pomegranate, sunflower, sesame, cotton, vegetables, moringa, and mango orchards. Farmers report 25-40% yield increases through scientific pollination.
Honey Production
Annual production of 500 kg pure, natural, chemical-free honey. Seasonal migration across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh for optimal honey collection and pollination services.
Community Impact
Trained 50+ farmers who successfully started beekeeping. Provided employment to rural communities and women's self-help groups. Rescued 550+ wild honeybee hives safely, relocating them to natural habitats.
Honeybee Species & Their Characteristics
Discover the diverse world of honeybees vital to our ecosystem, focusing on species managed and conserved by Indian Natural Honeybees.
Apis cerana indica (Indian Honeybee)
This native species is highly adapted to Indian climatic conditions. Known for its gentle nature and efficient pollination, it plays a crucial role in local agriculture and forest ecosystems. We prioritize its conservation and sustainable rearing.
Apis mellifera (European Honeybee)
A widely domesticated species, Apis mellifera is valued for its high honey production and adaptability. It complements native species in commercial beekeeping operations, contributing significantly to pollination services and honey yield.
Tetragonula Species (Stingless Bees)
These tiny, highly efficient pollinators are crucial for biodiversity, especially in tropical regions. Known for producing 'pot honey' with medicinal properties, they are integral to forest regeneration and ecosystem health, despite their smaller size.
Honeybee Species & Their Characteristics
1
Apis dorsata (Rock Bee)
Large bee building single exposed combs on cliffs, trees, and buildings. Highly productive but aggressive. Requires careful handling during honey collection.
2
Apis florea (Little Bee)
Small bee constructing single combs on bushes and small trees. Produces limited honey but excellent for pollination in home gardens.
3
Apis cerana indica (Indian Bee)
Indigenous species ideal for traditional and modern beekeeping. Builds multiple combs in cavities. Disease-resistant and well-adapted to Indian climate.
4
Tetragonula (Stingless Bee)
Small, stingless species producing medicinal honey. Nests in tree hollows and wall cavities. Gentle nature makes them perfect for urban beekeeping.
5
Apis mellifera (European Bee)
High honey-producing species introduced for commercial beekeeping. Requires scientific management and regular monitoring. Excellent for large-scale operations.
Comprehensive Beekeeping Training Programmes
Forest Department Training
Since 2022, trained 200+ forest staff (guards, foresters, RFOs) across Junnar, Sangli, and Chipkun divisions. Provided theoretical and practical beekeeping knowledge with certificates. Collaborated with CCF N.R. Praveen and DCF officials.
School & College Awareness
Conducted "Save the Honeybees" sessions in 50+ educational institutions. Organised competitions reaching 2,000+ students. Distributed educational materials including books, brochures, and calendars to promote environmental consciousness.
3000+
Farmers Trained
Comprehensive training in scientific beekeeping methods
200
Forest Staff
Specialised training for wildlife protection officers
2000+
Students Reached
Environmental awareness through school programmes
Recognition & Awards
1
26 June 2024
State-Level Madhumitra Award - Maharashtra State Khadi & Village Industries Board, Mumbai. Presented by Hon. Minister Ravindra Sathe and CEO R. Vimala (IFS) for outstanding work in beekeeping.
2
20 May 2025
World Honeybee Day Recognition - CBRTI Pune awarded "Best Working" certificate and Madhumashi Puraskar for excellence in honeybee conservation and production. Honoured 15 beekeepers with trophies.
3
16 July 2025
State-Level Snake & Bee Conservation - Organised training at KVK Aurangabad with 150+ participants. Honoured 135 snake rescuers and beekeepers. Chief Guest Dr Bhagwat Karad (Union Minister) attended.
4
7 July 2025
Master Trainer Designation - CBRTI Pune appointed as Master Trainer for Local Skilled Training programmes. Official letter issued recognising expertise in scientific beekeeping education.
Publications & Educational Materials
Book: Honeybee Protection & Conservation
Comprehensive guide published 24 February 2024 at Chandrapur. Launched by Hon. Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar with PCCF, APCCF, CCF, and 500-600 dignitaries present. First-ever book on honeybees by Forest Department staff.
Brochure: Honeybee Types & Safety
Published 25 January 2024 by MLA Supriya Sule at Baramati. Covers honeybee species, characteristics, first-aid for stings, and tourist precautions. Widely appreciated for practical information.
Calendar 2024 & 2025
2024 edition launched by Chief Secretary Dr Nitin Kareer at Mantralaya Mumbai. 2025 edition released by CBRTI Director Mrs Ukey, featuring monthly honeybee activities. Distributed to 1,000+ stakeholders.
Calendar 2026 - Agrovision
Launched 21 November 2025 at Nagpur Agrovision by Hon. Nitin Gadkari (Union Minister). Presented seminar on "Honeybees: Importance for Food Security in Farming" to national audience.
Tree Plantation & Environmental Initiatives
Major Plantation Drives
  • Taljai Tekdi (29 June 2024) - Planted 100 indigenous trees with Retired Forest Staff Association. Chief Guest: Mahadev Mohite (Deputy Conservator)
  • Bhambarda Vanvihar (4 July 2024) - Ashadhi Palkhi celebration with banyan, peepal, tamarind, and jamun trees. Emphasised native species for honeybee conservation
  • Khadakwasla Dam (25 January 2025) - Installed 10 stingless honeybee boxes with Green Thumb and Lt. Colonel Patil. Combined tree plantation with bee conservation
  • World Environment Day (5 June 2025) - Warje Arun Forest with 50+ participants. Planted Ficus varieties and conducted "Save the Honeybees" oath ceremony
These initiatives integrate honeybee conservation with afforestation, creating sustainable ecosystems. Collaborated with Forest Department Pune, NGO Federation, Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Green Hills Group for maximum community impact.
Honeybee Rescue & Conservation Network
550+
Wild honeybee hives rescued and safely relocated to natural habitats
780
Snake Friends volunteers trained in safe honeybee rescue techniques
8
Districts covered across Maharashtra for rescue operations
Save the Honeybees Campaign (2020-2025)
Launched comprehensive awareness campaign with 200 banners across Pune societies, Ganpati mandals, temples, and ladies clubs. Core message: Don't kill, burn, or use pest control on honeybees - remove them scientifically and safely.
Collaborated with Snake Friends groups across Maharashtra, training them in organic honeybee removal methods. Expanded operations to Shirdi (Ahmednagar), Dhule, Jalgaon, Nagpur, Buldhana, Thane, Pune, and Nashik districts.
Notable Rescue Operations
Tata Power Bhivpuri Dam Campus - Successfully removed 34 hives (28 live, 6 dead) in single day. Honey distributed to concerned staff and officers who expressed high satisfaction.
Created employment for two individuals through rescue work fees. Media coverage in Sakal newspaper (Aurangabad edition) highlighted the successful initiative. On World Honeybee Day 2025, honoured 15 Snake Friends with awards at KVIC Mumbai.
Future Vision & Contact Information
Honeybee Tourism Centre
Establish museum and learning centre for public education and bee tourism development
Bee Friendly Villages
District-wise project creating bee-friendly environments in rural communities
Training Programmes
Modern certification courses and digital platform for online consultation
Women Empowerment
Home-based beekeeping schemes for rural women's self-help groups
Get in Touch
Address: D-3, Shri Shankar Nagari, Near Vanaz Company, Cosmos Bank, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune-411038
Phone: 8408026262 / 9422525024
"Honeybee conservation is not just a profession but a service connecting us with nature. Through environmental protection, agricultural productivity increase, and pure food production, we contribute directly to society's wellbeing - this is our greatest satisfaction."
- Sanjay Baburao Marne, Founder & Director