Odisha: Tribals Fear Forest Fires, High Temp May Cause Low Honey Output

Honey collectors in tribal areas of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj have claimed that wildfires and rising temperatures in Similipal Biosphere Reserve will adversely affect the honey output. Subsequently, around 2,000 tribal families mainly relying on the honey collection are exposed to the loss of livelihood. Reportedly, surviving at 20-35 degrees Celsius, the bees fly away when mercury ticks 40-44 degrees. Meanwhile, officials said loss, for the April-June harvest season, will be ascertained only after the procurement ends.