Beekeeping as Subsidiary Occupation of Farming in Punjab

Abstract

The results of the study revealed that gross and net returns from beekeeping activity were more on large farms as compared to small and medium farms due to higher volume of business handled on large farms while the net returns per beehive and per kilogram of honey produced were more on small farms and highest average productivity was realized on medium farms due to efficient handling of bee colonies. Benefit: cost ratio (B: C) was highest on small farms (3.25) followed by medium (3.19) and large (2.70) farms. Share of beekeeping in net returns from beekeeping and crop farming was more on small farms as compared to medium and large farms. The net returns realized by the beekeepers from beekeeping along with crop farming were considerably higher than their non-beekeeper/farmer counterparts. Regression analysis emphasized on efficient use of bee colonies for increasing gross returns from honey production. The study brought out some policy issues for betterment of beekeepers which were: encouraging beekeeping as subsidiary occupation of farming especially for marginal and small farmers, loans at low rate of interest and adequate subsidy for purchase of beekeeping infrastructure, establishing more honey processing plants to further promote its export, proper quality checks for testing honey and an effective beekeepers association to address the production and marketing related concerns of beekeepers.