Dharamshala, Sept. 5 -- Apiculture has emerged as a new source of livelihood and an important pillar of the rural economy in Kangra district, thanks to its favourable climate, clean environment and flower-rich vegetation. Beekeeping is not only providing additional income to farmers but also strengthening the local economy.
According to the Horticulture Department, Kangra district presently has 42,077 bee colonies with around 1,807 farmers engaged in beekeeping. The annual honey production in the district is about 645 metric tonnes. While Himachal had only 1,250 colonies in 1971, the number rose to 8,203 by 2001 and has grown exponentially since then.
Surendra Kumar, a beekeeper from Ichhi, has established 700 bee colonies, earning nearly...