Bee Keeping Enterprise Among Rural Men and Women in Moga District

A survey was conducted to evaluate the adoption trend of bee keeping as a subsidiary enterprise among the rural men and women in the district. The period taken in consideration was from year 2005 to 2014. All the beekeepers practiced bee keeping with Apis mellifera and before starting the enterprise the beekeepers took a formal training from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Availability of flora, government policies and quick transfer of technology were important factors affecting the adoption in the area. The productivity of the boxes varied significantly depending upon the practice followed i.e., stationary or migratory. The average number of boxes owned by an individual outnumbered the number of subsidised boxes. A cluster of beekeepers was existing in the Baghapurana block and another upcoming cluster was located in Moga 1. The farmers were satisfied and wanted to start the enterprise due to quick returns, low investment and less time requirement. Rural women are showing an increased interest in getting the training and adopting the enterprise for enhancing the household income.