Status of migratory beekeeping with Apis mellifera L in the gangetic plain of West Bengal

Honey bees are humanity’s unique gift. In addition to various hive products, human are benefited with the most valuable ecosystem service, i.e. pollination by honey bees. The study has been attempted to explore the overview of migratory beekeeping with Apis mellifera L. in the potential Gangetic delta of West Bengal, India through questionnaire survey. Honey flow season lasts from mid/ end of October to mid/end of May, whereas June, July, August and September are beekeeping dearth in this region. Beekeepers used to move their colonies successively between intra- and inter-district locations to harvest honey from trees like eucalyptus, mustard, coriander, black cumin, litchi, sesame, and/or mangroves. Marketing of honey and middleman issue are the major limitations identified. This study presents an illustrative overview of beekeeping status in this area, its potential as well as limitations, and proper initiative to proliferate the enterprise at its outmost.