Guwahati, May 26: Imagine boosting your crop yields, earning extra income, and supporting the environment—all without the fear of bee stings.
Thanks to groundbreaking research from Nagaland University, this is becoming a reality for farmers across Northeast India. Researchers at Nagaland University have identified native stingless bee species as potent allies in enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting farmer livelihoods across Northeast India.
Honeybees, stingless bees, bumble bees, halictids, syrphids and other solitary bees are an important group of insects which are indispensable for regulating the food and forage cycle of the ecosystem. They are found in different habitats with different nesting attributes. Among these pollinators, the collection and domestication of feral stingless bee colonies, their identification and their use in crop pollination are the areas of interest for sustainable farming in northeast India.
Led by Dr. Avinash Chauhan, Scientist and Principal Investigator of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Honeybees & Pollinators at the Department of Entomology, School of Agricultural Sciences, the team focused on two indigenous stingless bee species: Tetragonula iridipennis and Lepidotrigona arcifera. Unlike their stinging counterparts, these bees are harmless to humans, making them ideal for pollination in both open fields and greenhouses.
“Our research over the past seven to ten years has demonstrated that integrating stingless bees into crop cultivation not only increases yield and quality but also offers an additional source of income through honey production,” said Dr. Chauhan. “This approach is particularly beneficial for smallholder farmers seeking sustainable and profitable farming practices.”
Significant Improvements in Crop Yields
The introduction of stingless bees into various crops has led to remarkable improvements:
Chilli and King Chilli: Fruit set increased by up to 29.46%, with healthier, more viable seeds.
Cucumber: Yields saw a 61% boost under protected cultivation, with larger fruits and higher seed counts.
Onion: Seed yields improved by over 36% during both Rabi and Kharif seasons.
Beyond crop enhancement, the bees produce medicinal honey, known for treating ailments like wounds, burns, and digestive issues. This honey fetches premium prices, providing farmers with an additional income stream.
Under Dr. Chauhan’s guidance, Nagaland University has trained over 260 farmers in scientific beekeeping practices. These sessions cover hive management, bee conservation, and honey extraction techniques, enabling farmers to adopt sustainable practices that enhance both their livelihoods and the environment.
“The trainings were conducted in various villages across Nagaland, focusing on the theme ‘Bee ready for a better tomorrow’,” noted Dr. Chauhan. “Our goal is to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools to rear stingless bees effectively, thereby improving crop pollination and generating additional income through honey production.”
Stingless bees are found across various Indian states, including Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. Their integration into agriculture not only boosts yields but also promotes biodiversity and ecological balance.
For farmers and enthusiasts in Northeast India, embracing stingless beekeeping offers a path to increased productivity, additional income, and environmental stewardship—all without the sting.
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