Inspection of Bee Hives at Nonthymmai Village in Ri-Bhoi District
A diagnostic visit was conducted by Dr Sandip Patra, Scientist (Agril. Entomology), Division of Crop Protection, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya to inspect the apiary of Mr. Stephan Shadap on 29th August, 2018 as honey production was suffering from absconding of colonies. Under Tribal Sub Plan, the Division of Crop Protection encouraged Mr. Shadap to take scientific beekeeping as an alternate source of income. Now, he is a most successful beekeeper in Nonthymaai village of Ri-Bhoi district. During the visit, it was observed that there was shortage of food in bee hives. There are different possible reasons for colony absconding like shortage of nectars during dearth period, extreme weather condition, frequent disturbance and heavy infestation by predators. In Meghalaya, due to heavy rain fall during kharif season, bee cannot collect sufficient nectar and then feed on stored food in colony. It was the probable reason for absconding of bee and less production honey during kharif season. Off season colony management like supplement of sugar solution during dearth period was advised.
