TODAY -

Beekeeping for a successful sweet revolution

Ranjan K Baruah *



People from urban areas are buying honey from the market but many may not have seen bees’ everyday. We must remember that all depend on the survival of bees but the irony is that bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats, hummingbirds, are under threat from human activities.

Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day.

Bees and other pollinators are fundamental for the health of ecosystems and food security. They help maintain biodiversity and ensure the production of nutritious food. There is no doubt that bees are under threat.

Present species extinction rates are 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal due to human impacts. Close to 35 percent of invertebrate pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, and about 17 percent of vertebrate pollinators, such as bats, face extinction globally.

If this trend continues, nutritious crops, such as fruits, nuts and many vegetable crops will be substituted increasingly by staple crops like rice, corn and potatoes, eventually resulting in an imbalanced diet.

One of the career or business opportunities can be apiculture. Bee keeping or apiculture is the maintenance of bee colonies, commonly in man-made beehives. Honey bees in the genus Apis are the most commonly kept species but other honey producing bees such as Melipona stingless bees are also kept.

Beekeepers (or apiarists) keep bees to collect honey and other products of the hive: beeswax, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly. Pollination of crops, raising queens, and production of package bees for sale are other sources of beekeeping income. Bee hives are kept in an apiary or "bee yard".

The keeping of bees by humans, primarily for honey production, began around 10,000 years ago. Georgia is known as the "cradle of beekeeping" and the oldest honey ever found comes from that country. The 5,500-year-old honey was unearthed from the grave of a noblewoman during archaeological excavations in 2003 near the town Borjomi.

Ceramic jars found in the grave contained several types of honey, including linden and flower honey. Domestication of bees can be seen in Egyptian art from around 4,500 years ago; there is also evidence of beekeeping in ancient China, Greece, and Maya.

To promote beekeeping in India we have the National Bee Board and National Beekeeping and Honey Mission. Khadi & Village Industries Commission also promotes activities related to bees in the country. At KVIC through its Central Bee Research & Training Institute (CBRTI), 15 State Beekeeping Extension centers (SBEC), 100 registered institutions, Cooperatives and State Khadi and Village Industries Boards undertake training programs throughout the country.

Few training includes Diploma in Beekeeping (6 months) for which required qualification is B.Sc (Biology/ Agri. / Forestry). There are other courses for which required academic qualification is either 10th pass or even without academic qualifications.

The courses are Certificate course in Beekeeping,
Rock-bee handling,
Elementary Beekeeping,
Short term course in beekeeping,
Queen Rearing, pollination,
bee pathology,
CF Sheet,
Honey Processing,
Analysis of honey,
there are few tailor made or customized training programs accor- ding to need and demand, Training in Honey Testing Kit, etc .

Young people can be part of the sweet revolution and get engaged in beekeeping and honey production. Interested people may take up the required training and plan their future with apiculture. We must protect bees as they are important for us so getting engaged means earning and saving at the same time which would enhance sustainable development.


* Ranjan K Baruah wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is Adviser , Skill Employment and Entrepreneurship Dept of BTR, Kokrajhar
and can be contacted at bkranjan(AT)gmail(DOT)com for any career related queries
This article was webcasted on 05 June 2023

* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Students Murder Protest [Sep 26] #2 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023 :: News Timeline
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2023 #4: Gallery
  • Murder is not a solution
  • The Power of Poppy - 4 :: Poem
  • Scholarship Program for IAS Coaching
  • Eeconomic activities in animal husbandry
  • Manipur violence: War for Chin-Kuki State
  • Condoning worse than committing crime
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar for 2024
  • Ban the Bandhs- for a prosperous Manipur
  • Lamyanba Hijam Irawat Day: Visionary Leader
  • Lal Bahadur Shastri - Some Highlights
  • UAVs in Manipur's ethnic clash
  • Guwahati INIFD at New York Fashion Week
  • Even your God will despise this
  • Time to probe Zale'n-gam, Khalistani link
  • The descent of Radha-Krishna #7: Download
  • Is ST reservation a real issue for Manipur crisis
  • World Bamboo Day @Patsoi #3 : Gallery
  • Aribam Kumar: Writer of the Year Award
  • Condemnation of murder of two students
  • The pain behind her silent tears :: Poem
  • Meeting of Interfaith Forum at Guwahati
  • Solidarity Demonstration @Seoul : Gallery
  • October Calendar for Year 2023 : Tools
  • Manipur crisis & popular sentiment
  • Solidarity Demonstration on Manipur at Korea
  • Traumatic experiences: Kuki-Meitei clash #2
  • Students reach out to Historical sites
  • ADBU MoUs with Taiwan Universities
  • Knowing the ground reality
  • The writing on the wall
  • 'Laangban Chara Tamba' #3: Gallery
  • Naorem Roshibina: Silver, 19th Asian Games
  • Sit-in at United Nations in Geneva
  • FRA imbroglio in Manipur
  • Who feels brunt of Inept leadership
  • Cancer Awareness at Education (S), Imphal
  • Condemn brutal murder of innocent student
  • Kongthong, Meghalaya: Best Tourism Village
  • Time for Imphal to set the agenda
  • A diversionary war tactic & a bigger question
  • Students Murder Protest [Sep 27] #1 : Gallery
  • Silent Prayer demanding Justice : Gallery
  • Candlelight Vigil demanding Justice
  • Demands Justice for Murdered Meitei
  • CMESS to Moirang College Relief Camp
  • A decade for youth to make India #2
  • Nagaland to get first 5-star properties
  • Murder most foul
  • Not the time for CM to waste on trailers
  • Students Murder Protest [Sep 26] #1 : Gallery
  • Demand Justice for Hemjit & Linthoingambi
  • Karkinos: Top Honours at Arogya Manthan
  • NEIMUN 2023: Youth Leadership Conference
  • Brucellosis : zoonotic bacterial disease
  • State presidents for Nagaland & Meghalaya
  • Fixing responsible for the murder
  • Need of the hour: Bilateral disarmament
  • Protesters & SF @Kwakta #2: Gallery
  • Marina by Night
  • Seminar at "Oriental Theological College"
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Vote for me or my wife
  • Sohra International Half Marathon
  • State failure vis-a-vis ethnic cleansing
  • The blockade on the road to peace
  • World Bamboo Day @Patsoi #1: Gallery
  • The Meitei Nupi :: Poem
  • Traumatic experiences: Kuki-Meitei clash #1
  • Tifo unveiled during NE United game
  • Sign languages as Career
  • Torbung on May 3: Where it all started
  • The danger of Zalengam dream
  • The descent of Radha-Krishna #6: Download
  • Conflict in Manipur: Summary of issues
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #5
  • Get to know more about Canine Distemper
  • The Power of Poppy - 3 :: Poem
  • Why Is Manipur Burning ?
  • Condemns Biased UN Side Event
  • Inpui Baptist Church celebrated Decadal
  • When the public relations fail #2
  • A decade for youth to make India #1
  • Tell the story to the outside world
  • Misleading the House of Commons
  • 'Laangban Chara Tamba' #2: Gallery
  • Village Volunteers: Protectors of the Nation
  • World Bamboo Day Painting Comp. results
  • Voluntary Blood Donation Camp
  • Improved potato varieties suited to Manipur
  • Autumn hair care: Tips for healthier hair
  • Manipur cannot go on like this
  • Shifting the theatre of war to Geneva
  • 1958: Kuki Chiefs' Memo to Union HM
  • Never too early never too late
  • Celebrities' approaches to Mental Health
  • International Day of Peace
  • Litter box training for cats
  • Trek leaders training programme
  • An indifferent Delhi
  • A good move with bad intention
  • Protesters & AR @Pallel #2: Gallery
  • Before the inflection point in our society !
  • Whither Naga Peace? Spl session of Parl
  • Lumpy Skin Disease
  • In total chaos since May 3 evening
  • Clutching at straws by drowning man
  • Winter Relief @ Mayang Imphal : Gallery
  • World Bamboo Day at Chandigarh
  • Will leaders walk the talk to end TB at UN
  • When the public relations fail #1
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #4
  • Reimpose AFSPA call
  • Lesson to be learnt from SAFF boys
  • Breaches of International Humanitarian Law
  • Do we have a Government!
  • 'Birthday boy' glows, critics wonder...
  • Two Murals from Two Corners
  • Sir, a birthday treat for us
  • 'Laangban Chara Tamba' #1: Gallery
  • Student Council: Pillars of Governance
  • World Ozone Day observed at Imphal
  • Col N Hemachandra: Brigadier in Army
  • The Power of Poppy - 2 :: Poem
  • Manipur Crisis: You can bring Delhi to Imphal
  • Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Parliament
  • Relief materials at Moirang, Thoubal
  • Armed Forces' role in Manipur under scrutiny
  • India elevated G20 as 'premier forum'
  • 'Solution first, peace later' slogan
  • Hoping against hope
  • Candle light vigil @ Kangla #2: Gallery
  • DMCC met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
  • The existential crisis - The Reality
  • Seriousness of legal proceedings
  • Role of Governor in summoning Assembly #2
  • One-sided reports vis-a-vis Manipur crisis
  • Death of a Sub-inspector
  • Raja Dumbragi Jeevan Charitra : Download
  • Dr Marjit: Academic Award at Malaysia
  • Interreligious Appeal to end violence
  • Gurkha War & diaspora in Manipur #3
  • Manipur Special Youth Assembly Session
  • From new districts to separate State
  • Looking for ally, desperately
  • Protesters & SF @Kwakta #1: Gallery
  • An Open Letter to President Joe Biden
  • Elephants in a Seed
  • Switzerland of India become a love lost State
  • Restoration of mining affected areas
  • Why did Army invite EGI : CJI
  • EGI invited by Army for objective assessment!
  • Note on Kuki-Hmar Trouble [1960]
  • Sober Thoughts
  • Weaving Looms presented at Relief Camp
  • A compassionate relief & cash payment
  • Sisters and brothers :: Poem
  • Coming to the negotiating table
  • The way forward
  • Protesters & AR @Pallel #1: Gallery
  • Romi Meitei : Best director @Kazan film fest
  • Success of Rahmani30 in Manipur NEET-UG
  • Modi, Biren, Shah exposes tragic series
  • Bharat is older than India
  • Mega Health Camp & Skill Development
  • Demand for ST tag by Meiteis
  • Internationalising the Kuki-Meitei conflict
  • The descent of Radha-Krishna #5: Download
  • Creating Hope Through Action
  • Ningthoujam Binoy: National Teachers' Award
  • The Power of Poppy - 1 :: Poem
  • Role of Governor in summoning Assembly #1
  • Gurkha War & diaspora in Manipur #2
  • Darkest Era of Meiteis
  • Robert Memorial Internship Awarded
  • Churachandpur Meiteis at the crossroads
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #3
  • Meeting of Meitei Club, Burari
  • G20 call to action in agriculture
  • Silent on the remains at CCpur
  • The resolution to unite all CSOs
  • Rebuttal: EGI Fact-finding Mission Report
  • S Tiken (Thang-Ta) Fellowhsip Award
  • Manipuri or Meitei ?
  • Relief Distribution at Wakhong Pukao
  • Human-centric globalisation : Taking G20
  • Cancer Screening at SP Office, Imphal
  • Doing a disservice to Kuki-Chin cause
  • Epidemic threat at relief centres
  • The Chothes of Manipur
  • Communalism; A Dangerous Ism
  • Condemns the incident at Chalwa
  • Unity - need of the hour
  • International Day of Police Cooperation
  • 5,000 Scholarships for 1st year undergrad
  • Classic case of victimising the victims
  • 11 years in service and raring to go
  • Relief Work - August 2023 : Gallery
  • Krishna Leela
  • Gurkha War & diaspora in Manipur #1
  • Cancer Awareness at Imphal East
  • Training on cultivation of mushroom
  • Illegal immigrants & Manipur violence
  • Missing fact in EGI's fact-finding report
  • Is govt inviting a 3rd Nupi Lal ?
  • The Chieftaindom of Kukis
  • The role of teachers in society
  • Condolence Message
  • Framework for the future of work
  • Understanding Manipur crisis in four days!
  • The case of 'Meitei media'
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #2
  • Winter Relief Services commenced
  • Special Session of Parliament
  • Advantage of simultaneous election in India
  • Fake Finding Committee ?
  • Poisoning the mind of Kuki-Chin people
  • Remedies to reduce hair growth on upper lip
  • Rally against Narco-Terrorism #3 : Gallery
  • On ethnic Nationalism & exclusive domains
  • Candle light vigil @ Kangla #1: Gallery
  • Patriots' Day @ Kangla: Gallery
  • Protesters with Army [Aug 03] #3 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Wrestling @ Purul : Gallery
  • Patriots' Day @ Thangal Temple: Gallery
  • Maram folklore & Meitei connection
  • 'Remove Assam Rifles' [Aug 07] #2 : Gallery
  • Patriots' Day @ Hicham Yaicham : Gallery
  • Model of Spelling-bee Competition
  • HSLC 2023 :: Top 25 Rank Holders
  • HSLC 2023 :: Subject Topper
  • HSLC 2023 :: Full Result
  • HSLC 2023 :: Compartmental Result
  • HSLC 2023 :: Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2023 :: Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2023 :: Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSE 2023 Toppers :: Science
  • HSE 2023 Toppers :: Arts
  • HSE 2023 Toppers :: Commerce
  • From May 3, 1993 to the present
  • COVID-19 : Impact in Manipur :: News Timeline