Apiculture for Sustainable Agriculture

Shahid Ahmad, Assistant Prof., Department of Zoology, National Degree College, Rambagh Purnia, Purnea University, Purnea, Bihar
Keywords: Apiculture, Agriculture, Biodiversity, livelihood, Farmers. Published Date: 15-02-2024 Issue: Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024): February 2024 Published Paper PDF: Download

Abstract- Because of its abundant floral variety and abundance of honeybee species, India offers great potential for apiculture (beekeeping). One species of honeybee, Apis mellifera L., is native to Europe and Africa; three kinds of native honeybees include Apis florea, rock bees, and Apis cerena indica, the Indian hive bees. Over the last decade, both honey production and beekeeping have flourished in India, propelling the country to second place globally, behind only China. This is in addition to the fact that exports of natural honey have been on the rise in recent years. Rural and marginalised landless farmers in India benefit economically from beekeeping. Beekeeping has many benefits, including increased agricultural yields thanks to improved pollination services and the preservation of natural biodiversity from the southern coast to the high Himalayas. Bee products are also economically significant. Profits from bee products and beehives are shared by beekeepers and crop growers alike, and beekeeping also boosts crop yields for crops that rely on pollination by guaranteeing effective pollination services. The sustainable methods of beekeeping improve farmers’ lives, according to these beekeeping viewpoints. In regions where beekeeping is common, agricultural yields tend to rise by about 20- 30%. In light of this production, beekeeping should be a priority for both the public and commercial sectors in order to improve farmers’ financial situations and promote sustainable agriculture.