Partnering with bees for planetary health ft. Under The Mango Tree Society

Krushna Kuvara, a smallholder farmer in Palghar, Maharashtra, had long struggled with poor harvests, unpredictable weather, and rising costs. Like many others in his situation, he faced a difficult decision: continue with traditional farming methods that were no longer sustainable, migrate to urban centres in search of work, or try something new. In 2022, with support from Under The Mango Tree Society (UTMT), Krushna chose a different path - he began beekeeping.  

Slowly, his farmland began to respond. 

With just a few beeboxes and practical training provided by UTMT Society, Krushna welcomed indigenous bees to his land. As they pollinated his crops, his vegetables flourished. His income rose by over ₹71,000, and for the first time, he earned from selling honey and bee colonies. His family’s diet became more nutritious, and his farm began to thrive again. 

I saw a way to an alternative source of livelihood, overcame my fear, and started beekeeping with support from UTMT Society.

- Krushna Kuvara  

Krushna’s story is one part of a much larger mission. UTMT Society is not only training farmers, but they are working to restore ecosystems. By promoting beekeeping with native bee species such as Apis cerana indica and Trigona, the organisation is helping to regenerate landscapes across India’s central-western states that are often marked by arid and semi-arid conditions. At the heart of this approach lies pollination. Bees are vital to over 75% of our food crops, improve soil health, and support the natural growth of green cover. 

 
As pollinator populations increase, forests and farmlands become more resilient, less reliant on chemical inputs, and better able to withstand the effects of climate change. In turn, rural communities grow stronger, both economically and ecologically. UTMT Society’s work connects livelihoods with conservation, turning small farms into thriving pockets of biodiversity. 

Through beekeeping, UTMT Society is gently and steadily improving the health of the planet—one beebox, one farmer, and one village at a time. 

Stay updated about the ICC’s efforts to support CSR’s climate journey in India.