Result

A comprehensive study on apiculture was conducted in two distinct regions within the
Rewari district of Haryana, involving a group of 10 students. The first region examined was
Meerpur, which housed 100 beehives while the second region, Ramgarh, comprised 150
beehives. The study primarily focused on two bee species: Apis mellifera and Apis indica.
This apiculture setup was strategically located adjacent to a mustard field(Brassica
nigra),facilitating optimal foraging conditions. Observations revealed the presence of
different castes within each hive, specifically three main types:the queen, drones and
workers. Each box contained a single queen bee, surrounding by numerous worker bees and
multiple drones. The worker bees were slightly smaller than the drone, which were notably
larger, while the queen bee stood out as the largest of all. This distinct size variation made it
easy to identify each castes within the hive. The cost of each apiculture setup was approx.
[Link],such setups are positioned near mustard field, fostering a symbiotic
relationship. The bees efficiently gather nectar from the flowers ,while simultaneously aiding
in the pollination of mustard plant. This mutual benefit enhances productivity for both the
farmer and the beekeeper, creating a harmonious agricultural ecosystem. It is fascinating to
observe how insect activity varies in response to changes in weather and time. Honeybees for
instance, tend to be less active during cooler periods such as dawn, when they seen somewhat
sluggish. However, as the sun rises and the warmth of daylight envelops their environment,
they become noticeably more energetic. The morning chill often inhibits their activities, but
once the sun emerges, the conditions become more conductive for their foraging endeavors.
This pattern is also reflected in the process of honey extraction. Optimal honey
extraction is performed in clear weather, avoiding foggy conditions that can dampen bee
activity. The best time for this operation is after the sun has risen, when the environment is
more comfortable for the bees. It has been noted that honey extraction typically takes place
atleast once a week under these favourable conditions. Thus, the interdependence of bee
behaviour and environmental factors play a crucial role in both their foraging habits and
honey production.
Now let us analyse both sites of the honey production setup. The first site
featured 100 boxes, while the second site featured 150 boxes. Each box was prized
[Link].3000. On average, each box yielded around 50-55 Kg of honey, and we were
harvesting approx. 5-6Kg of honey per [Link] market prices for honey varied between the
two sites, the first site sold honey at Rs.200 Per Kg, whereas at the second site, the price was
Rs.300 per Kg. Additionaly it was noted that companies purchasing honey tended to source it
at a significantly lower price then what was being offered directly from the producers. In
contrast, the Meerpur site didn’t furnishe us with extensive details, providing only basic
information such as number of boxes, honey production levels and various costs. This limited
data underscores the differences in operational transparency and yield among the sites,
highlighting the complexities inherited in honey production and distribution. At the Ramgarh
site, we received comprehensive information that extended beyond just the number of boxes
produced and their costs. Notably, we learned about the varying lifespan associated with
different bee castes. For instance, the queen bee has an impressive lifespan of approx. two
years. In contrast, the drone bee typically lives for about 70-80 days, while the worker bee
has a shorter lifespan of around 28 days. This detailed enhances our understanding of the
dynamics within the hive. Insecticides have a significant effect on honey production and the
diversity of honey varieties produced by honeybees. Specifically substances such as formic
acid and thimone are employed to mitigate diseases caused by mite infestations. These
treatments are crucial for maintaining bee health and ensuring the continued productivity of
honey production while also influencing the charcterstics of honey produced. Honeybees
produced a viscous substance known as propolis which is utilize as a protective covering for
their hives. This natural resin not only serves as a barrier against external threats but also aids
in the formation of antibodies, contributing to the overall health of the colony. Additionally a
beehive plate is priced at Rs25 per sheet and is employed in an array of applications. Among
its diverse uses are the creation of wax foundation for honey combs, food preservation,
cosmetics and skin care products. Furthermore, beehive plates find utility in various crafts,
including candlemaking and furniture polishing, showcasing their versatility and value.
When the mustard fields are harvested, honeybees are relocated to other regions, such a
Manali in march for the purpose of pollination. Their primary role in this period is to
facilitate the pollination of apple trees, along side various other crops, including jamun,
berries and eucalyptus. The honey produced from these pollination activities exhibits a
remarkable diversity with different type of honey varying in colour and flavour. Notably, the
honey sourced from the apple or charts in Manali is valued in the market at a price range of
Rs1000-1200. In India it is predominantly observed that around 80% of the honey produced
is sourced from mustard flower, with the remaining 20% coming from the diverse array of
other floral sources. This substantial contribution of mustard underscore its vital role in the
countries honey production landscape.
In the realm of apiculture, practitioners encounter a multitude of challenges that hinder their
profitability and sustanibilty. A significant issue arises from private companies that fail to
offer competitive prices pricing for honey. Often basing their rates on the sugar content
spacifically the levels of glucose and sucrose present in the product. This practice not only
undermines the value of honey produced by beekeepers that also creates an unpredictable
market dynamics. Moreover, the absence of a government regulated pricing frame work
futher exacerbated these challenges, leaving beekeepers to navigate a volatile market without
the benefits of established standards. From April-October, beekeepers are compelled to
supplyments their bees diet with sugar syrup, incurring cost that range between 1500-1800
per box. This added expense not only strains the financial resources of apiarists but also
raises concern about the long term sustainability of their operations in the face of fluctuating
market conditions and inadequate support
Meerpur site Ramgarh site
Number of boxes 100 105
Geographical area 70 yard 62 yard
Honey production 45-50 Kg per season per box 50-55 kg
Number of beekeepers 3 person 2 person
Income from apiculture 6-7 lakh p.a 7-8 lakh p.a
Resource avalibilty Less resources More resources
Colony management Limited management Regular inspection, diseases
control and hive optimization