India’s Honey Production and Beekeeping Industry Face Challenges Due to Adverse Weather in 2023

In Kerala, India, beekeeping emerged as an alternative to struggling rubber plantations. However, adverse weather, rising production costs, and bee infections have hit the industry hard. Honey production, which relies on rubber tree nectar, saw a sharp decline due to untimely rain, with yields dropping from the expected 10kg per bee box to just 4.5kg. Bees face disease challenges, and farmers need more resources for disease management. The cost of feeding bees with sugar syrup during off-seasons has risen significantly, with a beekeeper needing at least 10 kg of sugar for every 1.7 thousand to 2 thousand colonies.