ABSTRACT India's beekeeping industry primarily revolves around two domesticated honey bee species, Apis cerana and A. mellifera , which are central to commercial beekeeping. In addition, there are four wild honey bee species— A. dorsata , A. laboriosa (sympatric with A. dorsata ), A. florea , and A. andreniformis (sympatric with A. florea )—also producing a significant portion of honey. Traditionally, A. cerana was reared in India, but after initial efforts dating back to 1880, the successful introduction of A. mellifera was achieved in 1964. Due to A. cerana 's lower honey yield, higher propensity for absconding and swarming, susceptibility to wax moths, and being a low propolizer, A. mellifera gradually replaced it in many regions for commercial beekeeping after 1975. Recognizing the potential of beekeeping for rural development and supported by government initiatives, India has become a leading honey producer. While honey and beeswax production exhibit a growing trend, Indian apiculture remains largely centered on honey production. However, other hive products such as bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis, bee venom, and drone brood as animal feed offer untapped potential. India's rich floral diversity and extensive agro‐ecosystems offer immense potential for expanding the beekeeping industry. This calls for a holistic strategy including bee subspecies mapping, sustainable resource management, hive product diversification, disease control, and stakeholder awareness. Additionally, fostering the rearing of other crucial pollinators, such as bumble bees and stingless bees, is essential. By addressing these aspects, Indian apiculture can advance significantly, contributing to sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, and environmental conservation.
Ghosh et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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