Recently, scientists identified a distinct species of honeybee in the Western Ghats. Named Apis karinjodian, this marks the first discovery of a new honeybee species in over 200 years, since Apis indica was documented by Fabricius in 1798. This momentous find brings the total number of known honeybee species worldwide to 11.
About the Newly Discovered Honeybee Species
The common name for Apis karinjodian is the Indian Black Honeybee. These bees evolved from Apis cerana morphotypes, adapting to thrive in the hot and humid environment of the Western Ghats. They produce a thicker honey, which contributes to a rise in honey production. Prior to this discovery, only Apis cerana was recognized across the central and southern plains of India and Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, scientific research reveals the existence of three varieties of cavity nesting honeybees present in India: Apis indica, Apis cerana, and the newly discovered Apis karinjodian.
Distribution and Protection Status of Apis karinjodian
The Indian Black Honeybee inhabits a vast range that includes the Central Western Ghats and Nilgiris up to the southern Western Ghats. This distribution covers the states of Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and specific areas of Tamil Nadu. The IUCN Red List classifies Apis karinjodian as Near Threatened (NT).
The Status and Importance of Apiculture in India
The global apiculture market is slated to witness a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2020 to 2025, with the Asia-Pacific region playing a dominant role. The Indian apiculture industry is expected to value Rs 33,128 million by 2024, increasing at a CAGR of almost 12% by that time. India is presently the world’s sixth major natural honey exporter, with exports worth 59,536.75 MT amounting to Rs 633.82 crore in the financial year 2019-20. The primary export destinations include the USA, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Qatar.
Government Initiatives for the Development of Apiculture
The Indian government introduced ‘Sweet Revolution’, a considerable initiative aimed at promoting apiculture or beekeeping. To provide an impetus to this revolution, the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission launched in 2020 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This mission’s objective is to establish five large regional and 100 smaller honey and other Bee Products testing laboratories. As part of this initiative, three state-of-the-art laboratories have been set up, and 25 small laboratories are underway.
Additionally, the Indian government is offering assistance to beekeepers for setting up Processing Units. More than 1.25 lakh metric tonnes of honey are produced in India, with over 60 thousand metric tonnes being exported as natural honey.
Scientific Techniques Adopted for Better Honey Production
The Government of India, alongside state governments, is focusing on enhancing the quality of domestic honey for the global market. They are investing in capacity building for beekeepers to enable the production of honey using scientific techniques.
Pollination: An Essential Role Played by Honeybees
Pollination, the transferring of pollen from the male to the female part of a plant, is crucial for fertilization and seed production. It is mainly executed by wind and animals, including insects, bees, bats, and birds. Bees, such as the Indian Black Honeybee, play a vital role as pollinating agents, contributing significantly to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024