In pictures: As busy as a bee

There is a growing industry of migratory beekeeping in Assam where beekeepers move from one location to another, across the State, in search of blooming flowers for nectar

Mustard flowers cannot self-pollinate and need the help of insects to carry pollen between flowers. This is where the bees come in.

Rearing Apis mellifera, the most common of the honeybee species around the world, requires a team of at least four or five persons to ensure the smooth operation of the honey production process — scouting, camping, and production. Therefore, a farmer needs to maintain at least 200 bee boxes for the work to be financially viable.

There is a growing industry of migratory beekeeping in Assam where beekeepers move from one location to another, across the State, in search of blooming flowers for nectar. Assam’s extensive mustard cultivation and low competition attracts an increasing number of farmers to the State each year.

Mustard blossoms early in Assam, prompting beekeepers to shift there. The journey is not set to a specific route and can vary based on the availability of flowers. The migration process involves scouting potential sites for suitable flowers and accommodation. Once the promising locations are identified, beekeepers conduct inspections and engage with the local residents to assess flower availability and the feasibility of housing the apian colonies.

Production of crops such as mustard, coconut, areca nut, lychee and mango is increasing in the village due to the presence of bees. The role of honeybees and other insects is not limited to agriculture, food security, and nutrition. Without them, wild plants and the ecosystems that make the planet habitable would collapse.

Even farmers who do not keep bees have benefited as the bees’ activities have increased the fertility of the region’s crops and fruit trees.