Beekeeping (Apiculture) is an ideal and income generating business for farmers
In this changing climate conditions , farmers have to constantly struggle with nature, which forces them to face continuous adverse conditions and financial uncertainty. To overcome financial difficulties, it is necessary for farmers to start small or large allied agricultural businesses on their farms. Through this, farmers can live a life that is self-respecting, self-reliant, debt-free, and healthy. Among agricultural allied businesses, one of the well-developed and promising options in recent times is beekeeping. Among tribal communities, collecting honey from forests has been a traditional practice and even a livelihood for a long time. However, if beekeeping is carried out using scientific methods, and the honey produced is properly collected, bottled, and sold, it can certainly provide farmers with good financial profits.
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Beekeeping (Apiculture) |
'Beekeeping or Apiculture' nothing a scientific raising and caring of bees to obtain natural honey with maintained standard of honey is known as beekeeping.
- Indian species for beekeeping:
In beekeeping, selecting the right species of honeybee is very important. When considering Indian species, three types are commonly found: the “Aagya Mohol,” which is known as Apis Dorsata; the “Phulori honeybee,” called Apis Florea; and the “Sateri honeybee,” which is known as Apis Cerana Indica
- Who can start her beekeeping business?
Beekeeping is a complementary and agro-based business. It offers golden opportunities to farmers, farmer groups, youth, unemployed, economically weaker sections and people who are passionate about agriculture and environment to start this business.
- Training is needed to start this business?
Before starting a beekeeping business, it is essential to undergo proper training. Such training is provided at the Beekeeping Training Center in Mahabaleshwar, District Satara, and the Central Bee Research and Training Institute in Pune (Maharashtra).
Additionally, information and training related to beekeeping are also provided by agricultural universities in the state, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), District Khadi and Village Industries Boards, the National Agricultural Development Programme, the Agriculture Department, and ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency).
- How much profit can be made by doing beekeeping business?
From the case study, farmers’ experiences, success stories, and research papers, it is observed that:
Generally, the cost of one beekeeping box (hive) is around ₹3,000 to ₹4,000. Each box contains 10 frames, and each frame holds about 250 to 300 bees. Approximately 200 grams of honey can be extracted from one frame. This means that around 2 kg of honey can be obtained from a single box. Once the frames are emptied, the bees refill them with honey within 10 to 15 days. In a month, one box can produce about 3 to 4 kg of honey. If you initially purchase 10 boxes, you can produce around 30–40 kg of honey per month.
You can sell this honey in the market at ₹300 to ₹500 per kg. In this way, you can earn about ₹20,000 per month from honey sales. Additionally, you can also sell beeswax in the market. You can also earn profit by selling bee boxes (hives).Apart from the initial investment in boxes, there are very minimal additional expenses in beekeeping. Therefore, you can earn around ₹1.5 lakh per year from this business.
- Importance of Beekeeping
1. Beekeeping does not require a large investment or a large capital outlay. It does require time, a little money, and basic investment.
2. There is a huge demand for honey ,beeswax and bee venom in the market.
3. Honey is used in the manufacture of medicines and cosmetics.
4. Increase agriculture production and yield
6. It helps in maintaining the balance of the environment and biodiversity.
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