WHAT IS BLACK HONEY BEE?

 

After a gap of 200 years a new species of  honey bee called Apis Karijodian has been discovered in Western Ghats.

Apis Indica was the last honeybee species discovered from India in 1798.

FEATURES

• It is commonly known as Indian Black Honey bee.
• It has evolved from Apis cerana morphotypes that got used to hot and humid climate in Western Ghats.
• These honey bee produce thicker honey which allows increased honey production.
• The research has given new direction to apiculture in the country by showing the presence of three species of cavity nesting honey bees ; Apis Indica, Apis Cerana , and Apis Karinjodian.
• They are seen in central western Ghats, Nilgiris , South western Ghats covering states of Goa, Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu.
• It is Near Threatened in IUCN red list.

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APICULTURE AND INDIA

• Indian apiculture market size is expected to reach a value of Rs.33,128 million by 2024. expanding compounded Annual Growth Rate of nearly 12% by 2024.
• India is the sixth major natural honey exporting country.
• During 2019- 2020 the recorded export of natural honey was 59,536.75 MT.
• The major export destinations were USA, Saudi Arab, Canada and Qatar.

INITIATIVES

• Sweet revolution ; ambitious initiative of the government of India for promoting apiculture .
• National Beekeeping Honey Mission in 2020(Under Ministry of  Agriculture and Farmers).
• Assistance for setting up of processing Units.
• Adopting scientific Techniques..
• Attract world market.
• Capacity building.