On November 2, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) installed beehives along the India-Bangladesh border fence in West Bengal to deter incidents such as cutting the hedge for cattle smuggling and other crimes while also creating livelihood opportunities for the local population.
The first-of-its-kind initiative has been launched by BSF’s 32nd battalion in the border areas of Nadia district. The force has partnered with the Union Ayush Ministry for this project, which has provided the border-guard force with the beehives and the necessary expertise to install them on the alloy-made smart fence.
The BSF has undertaken this initiative as part of the Vibrant Village Programme. It has further requested the Union Ministry to provide medicinal plants that bear flowers. These plants can be planted around the bee boxes to facilitate abundant pollination by the bees.
The Ayush Ministry had supplied the BSF with saplings of medicinal plants like tulsi, ekangi, satmuli, ashwagandha, aloe vera. Both BSF personnel and local residents are planting these saplings in the border areas. The honey extracted from these beehives will be sold through the established shops of the BSF Wives’ Welfare Association, and the profits will go to the locals.
