Since ancient times, honeybees have been reared, though in a crude manner, in India. Beekeeping today is based on modern methods using the principles of movable frame-hive, honey extractor and smoker.

Beekeeping can be a profitable occupation in areas with good floral pasturage. Potential for development of beekeeping in India is immense due to its diverse environment and floral resources derived from natural vegetation and cultivated crops. According to statistics released recently, about 50 million hectares of land is under cultivation of oilseeds, pulses, orchards and other crops useful for bees and benefited by bee pollination. In addition, there are about 60 million hectares of forest area with beekeeping potential. The vast area of farmland and forest may easily sustain at least one crore bee colonies.

Now, with the farmers in the plains volunteering to opt for honey production, the State government has established the Integrated Tribal Development Programme. It is being implemented by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in hilly locations such as Pachamalai and Puliancholai regions in Tiruchy.

India has about eight lakh bee colonies. Though modern beekeeping practices came to India only three decades ago with the advent of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Punjab, Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar islands lead the states where beekeeping co-operatives are active. The shelf life of packed honey bottles is five years, and once opened it stays good for two years. Commonly, honey is packed in 250 gm bottles but courier packing (for home delivery) is different.

It is an established fact that beekeeping helps in an increase in crop yield (approx by 30%) through pollination. “Many farmers from various districts in TN call me to place my beehives in their farm for pollination. During flowering season, I keep my beehives in their farm free of cost, and once the season is over, I bring back my hives after harvesting honey. I am benefited by the honey produce and farmers by extra 30% crop yield. It is a win-win situation for both of us,” said A Dhandayuthapani from Chettithottam Pudur in Karur.

Dhandayuthapani produces around 60 tonnes of honey each year. “I keep around 3,000 beehive boxes and sell honey directly at Rs 550 per kg,” he said. He said November to September is the ideal period for honey production. “Banks provide a minimum of 35 per cent subsidy to set up an apiary farm and it would fetch good returns if maintained properly,” he added.

Meanwhile, P Kaliamurthy, another farmer from Lalgudi, who gives training and sells apiary boxes, said, one unit with a box and stand costs between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000. “We provide the box with proper set up, including 10,000 bees, and orders have been coming from various places across the State,” he said.

Based on the success of apiculture, a large number of labourers have been undergoing training. The training also enables collection of bee pollen, royal jelly, bee venom, propolis, a natural antibiotic, and comb honey, the purest form of honey.

Beekeeping is an absorbing hobby for some, while for others it is an industry for producing honey and wax. Beekeeping is ideal for those who intend to make it a hobby as it involves outdoor work and does not require much time. It is both interesting and instructive. Moreover, the returns in the form of money and mental satisfaction can be highly fulfilling.