Honeybees diversity, pollination, entrepreneurship and beekeeping scenario in NEH region of India
Haldhar SM, C. N. Nidhi, K.M. Singh, AS Devi
Abstract
The north-eastern region of India with diverse forage resources encompasses great potential in beekeeping. The honeybee species existing in the north-eastern hill region are Apis dorsata, A. florea, A. cerana himalaya, A. mellifera, A. laboriosa and Trigona iridepennis. Modern agriculture has come to depend greatly on the bees to fulfill its pollination needs. Pollen analysis from North-eastern hill region revealed that the dominant sporomorphs were Brassica sp., Solamun sp., Helianthus sp., Wendlandia sp., Clematis sp., Adhatoda sp. and Mussaenda sp. Bee flora was identified as 107 plants from North-eastern region of India. Different types of entrepreneurship can be developed through beekeeping like honey bees rearing, sale of honey bees colonies, consultancy to farmers for honey bee rearing, processing of honey at large scale and marketing of honey products. Available information on honeybee’s diversity, pollination, entrepreneurship and beekeeping scenario for sustainable agriculture of north-eastern hill region are reviewed and discussed.