India, Beekeeping is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and economic development in India. With its pivotal role in pollination and honey production, beekeeping not only supports crop yields but also provides rural livelihoods and promotes biodiversity conservation. Bees are essential pollinators for a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds. By facilitating pollination, beekeeping contributes directly to improved crop yields and quality, thereby bolstering food security and farm incomes.
The beekeeping industry in India is a growing sector that offers substantial economic benefits. It provides employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, and serves as a source of supplementary income for farmers. Beyond honey production, beekeeping generates revenue through the sale of beeswax, royal jelly, and other hive products. beekeeping promotes environmental sustainability by supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health. Bees play a critical role in maintaining plant diversity and natural habitats through their pollination activities. Sustainable beekeeping practices also contribute to reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, thus promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. Recognizing the importance of beekeeping, the Indian government has introduced supportive policies and initiatives. These include training programs for beekeepers, financial assistance schemes, and efforts to enhance honey quality standards. Such measures aim to strengthen the beekeeping sector and expand market opportunities for Indian honey both domestically and internationally.
State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are bolstering agricultural education by introducing practical classes and experimental learning programmes for students in their final academic year of undergraduate studies. Among them are numerous practices and courses that deal with all areas, such as Commercial beekeeping, sericulture, mushroom production, biocontrol production, postharvest techniques in horticulture, and organic farming. These projects seek to, offer students with hands-on experience and equip them to face real-world agricultural difficulties . Our renowned institute, Pushkaram College of Agriculture Sciences in Pudukkottai, proceeds on this basis; students were given an immersive course on Commercial beekeeping, as well as specialized technical abilities for establishing business chances. We addressed equipping young generations with technology skills and promoting an agricultural-oriented elite livelihood.
Exploring Honeybee Production
The growing beekeeping sector offers diverse career opportunities for graduates in agriculture and related fields. From managing commercial apiaries to conducting research on bee health and sustainable practices, graduates with expertise in beekeeping are well-positioned to contribute to India's agricultural growth and environmental stewardship. On this basis, the academic courses teach about production, management and marketing of beekeeping from small to large scale. There are five species of honeybees in India. The Giant or rock bee (Apis dorsata), Little bee or dwarf bee (A. florea), Indian bee (A. cerana indica), Italian bee (A. mellifera) and Dammer bee or mosquito bee (Trigona iridipennis). Beekeeping with Apis cerana indica, commonly known as the Indian honeybee, is a promising venture due to its adaptability to local climates and its role in pollination and honey production. The apiculture project at Pushkaram College of Agriculture and Sciences, Pudukottai, focuses on several pivotal areas aimed at advancing beekeeping practices and enhancing honey production. Spearheaded by twenty four dedicated students under my mentorship with steadfast support from our college management, this project aims to revolutionize beekeeping practices and foster sustainable honey production.
To protect the bees from the sun and severe weather, twenty five hives were placed up under cover. Hives were placed at a height to avoid predators, as well as in areas with plentiful floral supplies and minimal pesticide or pollution contamination. Examined the hives on a regular basis for infections, pests, and queen health. This necessitates keeping track of brood production and honey storage. During lean seasons, we provided sugar syrup to boost hive expansion and honey output. We controlled the hive population to prevent swarming, which can lower honey output. To maximize yield, we collected honey during peak flowering season. We used appropriate equipment to collect honey successfully while maintaining hive integrity. Created an eye-catching logo for our college and established marketing relationships with local markets and health food stores.
Ms. S.N. Salma Banu
Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology
Pushkaram College of Agriculture and Sciences
