Major Constraints Faced by Beekeepers in South Gujarat Region of Gujarat, India

Abstract

Beekeeping served as an accessible supplementary source of income for farm households. It improves earnings for the rural poor, enhances the nutritional security of rural women and children and ensures continuous employment throughout the year via different activities. However, beekeeping faces significant challenges from numerous factors that either independently or in combination affect honeybees and their valuable products. The present study was carried out to examine constraints faced by the beekeepers in the production and marketing of honey in the South Gujarat region. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used for the study. The study was based on primary data collected from 120 beekeepers selected from six randomly chosen talukas (Dharampur, Kaprada, Ahwa, Waghai, Dolvan and Vyara) within three districts (Valsad, Dang and Tapi). The data were collected through one-to-one personal interviews using a pre-structured schedule. Garrett’s ranking technique was used to analyze the problems perceived by beekeepers in honey production and marketing. Beekeepers said that unfavorable weather patterns, problems with their colonies, pesticide poisoning, a shortage of bee food and a lack of recognition for technology were the main obstacles to honey production. While inadequate storage facilities, an unfixed price for raw honey, a lack of information about the honey industry, a disorganized market structure and the absence of quality testing labs were the major marketing challenges.