Mr. Manjunatha G N will present his MTP2 as per the details:

Date: 30th June 2026

Time: 1500 - 1600 hrs.

Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No.1

Title: Assessment of the Effectiveness of Beekeeping Training Programmes in Enabling Good Beekeeping Practices among Beekeepers in India

Guide: Prof. Bakul Rao

Examiners: Prof. Vinish Kumar Kathuria, Prof. Parameshwar D Udmale 

Abstract: 

Beekeeping is promoted across India through large-scale training under various schemes at the national, state, and district levels, aimed at building skills in Good Beekeeping Practices (GBPs) among new beekeepers, including small farmers, tribal communities, and rural women. However, whether these skills are adopted in the field by these new-to-beekeeping trainees makes an effectiveness assessment essential. Three research gaps motivate this study

(1) Existing studies assess trainees' skill levels with less attention to how GBPs are delivered in training. 

(2) No structured Indian comparison of short- and long-duration programmes exists.

(3) Established training-effectiveness models are rarely applied to beekeeping in India.

The study uses a qualitative, exploratory research approach. Essential GBPs were drawn from the FAO (2021) guidelines and developed into indicators, and four evaluation models (Kirkpatrick, CIRO, Bushnell, and Baldwin & Ford's Transfer of Training) were integrated into a single framework of six components, such as context, input, process, learning, transfer of training, and outcome. Five short and long-duration training institutions in Maharashtra and Karnataka were assessed through field visits. Trained beekeepers were assessed through telephonic interviews on knowledge, field practice, and outcomes.

The findings show that training duration and hands-on practice determine effectiveness. Long-duration training achieved 90% retention after two years with strong uptake of skill-intensive practices. The short-duration training reached many first-time beekeepers but retained only 19%, and most colonies were lost within a year. Context assessment and post-training follow-up were almost entirely absent across institutions. These findings explain why GBP's knowledge taught in training is not translated into sustained practice in the field. 

Keywords: Beekeeping training, Good Beekeeping Practices (GBPs), training effectiveness, FAO guidelines, Training duration, Training delivery methods,  skill adoption by beekeepers.