Socio-Economic Analysis of Traditional and Modern Beekeeping in Western Himalayan Region Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Beekeeping is essential for the development of bio-economy practices; it provides tremendous social benefits on both economic and ecological fronts. The objectives of the present study were to explore the socioeconomic status of all traditional and modern beekeeping populations, the role of anthropogenic movement, manipulation, filthy beekeeping practices, bacterial pathogenesis, irrational use of antibiotics and the agricultural intensification of managed and native bee species in the selected study sites. The required data was collected through in-depth personal interviews and questionnaires. A total of 101 (42 traditional and 59 modern) beekeepers were interviewed from randomly selected five blocks in the Nainital district. Out of 18 selected study sites, 16 sites fall under rural areas, one is an urban town, namely Kathgodam and the remaining one is a town, namely Fatehpur Range. The present investigation reveals that 70% of total modern beekeepers are of 20-49 years old and reside in rural areas. It is encouraging that people have adopted beekeeping in rural areas for livelihood and modern purposes. During the present study, it was observed that females are least interested in beekeeping practices due to extensive touring and shifting to remote areas for qualitative nectar and pollen.