Apiculture: Case Study 2, Khasi Hills
Apiculture: Case Study 2, Khasi Hills
| Main Info | ML/KH/AGRI//002: Apiculture, Khasi Hills |
| Name of the Technique | Traditional Apiculture/ Beekeeping |
| Source Publisher | Primary Survey, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya |
| Source Year | 2023 |
| History Of The Technique | The Traditional Knowledge Holder has been practicing bee-keeping with two types of bees locally known as “Ngaptem” and “Ngapiong”. Bees are reared around his premises, garden and in the wild. Honey is harvested twice a year using light smoke to dispersed the bees and after separation and removal of impurities it is send to Guwahati for testing. This type of TK in Apiculture has been practiced since time immemorial. |
| Manufacturing technique | Initially, traditional bee keeping box made by carving a hole inside a wooden log and sealing both end using a plank is made for rearing bees. A small hole of 2-3 cm wide is made at one end of the box which will as an entry path way for the bees. But, due to low productivity, difficulty in maintenance and harvesting, this traditional box has been replaced by the new and modern box. |
| How to implement | Collection and Maintenance: Harvesting is done twice a year by the bee keeper himself. However, inspection of the bee box has to be carried out before harvesting. The honey collected is then cleans, filtered and then packed to be send to Guwahati for testing and grading. He used light smoke by burning a dry cloth, newspaper and cardboard to shock the bees during the collection process. During winter season where the availability of flower is less, honey is given as food supplement to the bees. When the colonies are looking healthy and overcrowded this is the sign and indication that the colonies are ready to be separated. The queen bee is then located and captures using a bee catcher and transfers it to a new box where the worker bees will eventually follow their queen to their new hive. |
| Theme | Traditional Animal Husbandry |
| Sub Theme | Beekeeping |
| Source Publisher | Primary Survey, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya |
| Source Year | 2023 |