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Time of India

World Bee Day: In the hum of bees lies the pulse of progress

1 2 3 Nagpur: Bees are quietly shaping the future of agriculture and forestry, a fact underscored by Suresh Gudhe , a retired joint director and beekeeping expert from the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Nagpur. "Bees are indispensable for forest and agricultural development," Gudhe asserts, emphasising their role in pollination , which drives fruit and seed formation, enabling new plant growth. Without effective pollination, he warns, "Even forest departments struggle to achieve desired plant regeneration." On World Bee Day , celebrated on May 20, Gudhe, a trainer in beekeeping, highlighted the diversity of bees in India, from the robust rock bee (Apis dorsata), which yields up to 30kg of honey annually, to the delicate stingless bee (Trigona), a pollination powerhouse. Each species, whether the Indian hive bee (Apis cerana indica), little bee (Apis florea), or the foreign Apis mellifera, contributes uniquely to ecosystems. "Bees don't just produce honey," Gudhe explains, adding, "They ensure biodiversity , supporting crops and forests through pollination." The benefits of beekeeping extend beyond ecology. Gudhe points to economic opportunities, with products like honey, beeswax, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis commanding global demand. "Pollen is as vital as honey, packed with nutrients," he notes, adding that bee venom and royal jelly are used in pharmaceuticals, while propolis offers antibacterial properties. For rural communities, beekeeping is a pathway to self-reliance, supported by government schemes like PMEGP and Honey Mission, which provide training and financial aid. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Launch - Birla Navya on Golf Course Road Extn, Gurugram Birla Navya AVIK Click Here Undo "Beekeeping can transform lives and bolster India's economy," Gudhe says. Yet, challenges loom. Industrialisation threatens environmental balance, and Gudhe stresses the need for planting nectar-rich trees to sustain bee populations. "Conserving bees is conserving life," he urges, echoing Albert Einstein's warning that humanity's survival hinges on bees. Community-driven afforestation, involving schools, NGOs, and forest departments, is vital, but Gudhe insists on prioritising bee-friendly plants. Gudhe's call to action resonates: "Everyone must protect beehives in their surroundings." His vision blends science, tradition, and sustainability, positioning beekeeping as a cornerstone of environmental and economic progress. Through collective effort, India can harness the power of these tiny pollinators to secure a greener, more prosperous future. By embracing beekeeping, we not only safeguard nature but also empower communities, proving that in the hum of bees lies the pulse of progress.