Speaker
Description
Apiculture is one of the predominant sub-sectors of agriculture in Bangladesh, plays a vital role in crop production and biodiversity maintenance through pollination services. Bangladesh has ideal conditions for honeybees with its diverse flora, favorable climate, abundant water sources, and agricultural practices. Honey collection from tradition bee hive and marketing has been practiced in Bangladesh long since, and beekeeping services as a major role in fostering nutrient security and improving rural livelihoods. In 1977, Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) started beekeeping in scientific way and got success with Apis cerena; then beekeeping had been launched throughout the country. In 1990, A. mellifera was introduced from India by two beekeepers, thereafter in 1996 BSCIC managed A. mellifera colonies successfully. Sundarban, Hilly region and Madhupur tract are the major areas of natural honey production in Bangladesh. About 75% honey is produced in Sundarban by A. dorsata but A. mellifera provides highly valued pollination services for a wide variety of agricultural crops by carrying heavier pollen, are less aggressive and produce more honey than A. cerana. At present about 25000 beekeepers are producing honey commercially and about 10000 metric tons of honey are produced annually, against 30000 metric tons of requirement. Utilizing the natural environment, it is possible to produce more than 100000 metric tons of honey every year which can help to generate income and employment opportunities for rural youth. Different agricultural crops considered potential honey plants in Bangladesh are litchi, black berry, coconut, mango, citrus and guava, cucurbitaceous plants, beans, okra, radish, coriander, onion, mustard, niger, sunflower and sesame. In Bangladesh, apiculture has vast potential, requiring minimal investment and labor, and is accessible to men, women and youth people. The government of the country and various non-government organizations are actively promoting beekeeping through training programs, financial support, and providing technical assistance to rural farmers.
