Hubballi, May 16 -- In a significant initiative aimed at environmental conservation and economic empowerment of forest communities, the Karnataka Forest Department has launched the state's first officially branded honey sourced from the protected forests of the Kali Tiger Reserve.

The honey brand, named "Adavi Jhenkara", has been introduced under a special project designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal families residing deep inside the forests of Joida taluk in Uttara Kannada district. Officials said the initiative seeks to reduce the dependence of local communities on forest resources while promoting eco-friendly income generation activities.

Under the project, around 250 beneficiaries living in forest villa...