4Ps Eco Bee Biz Project Progress

From October 2024 to July 2025, the 4Ps Eco Bee Biz Project—an innovative Public–Private–Producer Partnership—has thrived under the guidance of the Department of Export Agriculture at Uva Wellassa University. This 10-month phase has seen remarkable growth in sustainable beekeeping practices, student engagement, and research excellence, positioning the initiative as a national model for eco-agriculture and education.

The project team conducted regular field visits to registered bee farmers across Badulla, offering hands-on guidance in colony health monitoring, hive management, and sustainable practices. These interactions not only improved technical outcomes but also deepened trust and collaboration with rural communities, reinforcing the project's grassroots impact.

Leveraging four active bee colonies on campus, the project delivered practical training sessions for undergraduates. Students gained firsthand experience in colony handling, honey extraction, and hive behavior analysis—bridging academic theory with real-world agricultural practice and enriching UWU’s applied learning ethos.

A major milestone was the launch of the “Regional Honey Quality Evaluation” study, which involved collecting 100 honey samples and mapping floral diversity around each site. Through sensory and physicochemical analysis, the team began identifying key quality indicators linked to floral origin—laying the groundwork for Sri Lanka’s honey profiling standards.

To tailor future training, a structured survey was conducted among participating bee farmers to assess their skills, knowledge gaps, and development needs. With data collection complete and analysis underway, this initiative will inform customized capacity-building programs that empower farmers with relevant, practical expertise.

A prototype beehive made from Epoxy Resin and ABS Plastic was developed and field-tested, showing promise in colony acceptance and maintenance efficiency. Looking ahead, the project aims to pioneer smart hives equipped with sensors and AI monitoring—ushering in a new era of intelligent beekeeping. Continued financial support will be crucial to realizing this vision.