DDS - KVK: Empowering Communities Through Scientific Beekeeping
Bees are indispensable for biodiversity and human survival, offering an array of benefits such as honey, royal jelly, beeswax, pollen, and bee venom. As crucial pollinators, bees play a vital role in global agriculture by facilitating pollination, which contributes to 35% of global crop production.
Nearly three-quarters of the crops that yield fruits and seeds for human consumption depend on these industrious creatures. In addition to promoting environmental health, beekeeping is a sustainable way to support rural livelihoods, with over 80 million hives worldwide producing 1.6 million tonnes of honey annually (IPBES).
At DDS KVK, we have been actively promoting scientific beekeeping to enhance agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Between 2021 and 2024, we conducted over 15 training sessions, reaching more than 250 participants, including farmers, farm women, rural youth, and extension functionaries. These training programs sparked significant interest in adopting beekeeping for pollination, leading to tangible benefits in agricultural yields.
Percentage Increase in Yield After Pollination by Bees
A comparative analysis of yields between 2021-2022 (no bee boxes) and 2022-2023 (two bee boxes per hectare) revealed notable improvements:
Guava: 5% increase
Lime: 4.03% increase
Sunflower: 15.17% increase
The Way Forward
Adopting scientific beekeeping has revolutionized agricultural productivity and profitability. At DDS KVK, we are dedicated to equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools to unlock the full potential of bees as nature's pollinators. By working together, we can promote sustainability, enhance livelihoods, and secure food resources for future generations.
For more details contact
Dr. N. Snehalatha
Subject Matter Specialist- Plant Protection
DDS Krishi Vigyan Kendra
Mobile: 7569984438