Gaya/Patna: Researchers in Gaya district are working to make beekeeping viable in temperatures reaching 45°C, as extreme heat increasingly threatens honey production and bee survival.
The project, led by the agriculture department at the Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) in Gaya, aims to develop techniques and management practices that allow bees to withstand high temperatures, particularly during the humid late summer months of August and September.
Bees typically thrive at around 34°C -35°C, but temperatures above 40°C can severely disrupt their ability to regulate hive conditions, reduce foraging efficiency and increase mortality. In Bihar, where summer temperatures frequently climb between 40°C and 46°C, beekeepers often face heavy losses if colonies are not carefully managed.
The research focuses on improving existing methods rather than introducing entirely new systems. Scientists are studying how to address gaps in traditional practices that leave colonies vulnerable to heat stress, which can reduce honey yields by up to 30% or force bees to abandon hives.
Under the guidance of Prof. Hemant Kumar, the team is experimenting with temperature control strategies, including hive placement to avoid direct sunlight, the use of shade nets, and improved ventilation systems. Maintaining internal humidity is also critical, as excessive heat can dry out larvae and threaten brood survival.
Water management has emerged as another key factor. Bees require between 200ml and 500ml of water per colony each day during hot weather to cool hives. Researchers have introduced simple systems such as drip-fed water sources to improve access while preventing drowning.
To ensure a steady food supply, the university has cultivated sunflower crops across two acres of land, providing nectar and pollen even during periods when flowering in other crops is limited. This approach aims to stabilise honey production, which typically declines sharply in peak summer due to reduced floral availability.
The initiative also includes training programmes for students and local farmers, promoting scientific beekeeping practices that could improve yields and income. With honey prices ranging from Rs. 600 to Rs. 800 per kilogram depending on quality, researchers say the sector holds strong economic potential if managed effectively.
Students involved in the project say the findings could help expand beekeeping in hot regions where it has traditionally been difficult. They also highlight the broader ecological benefits, as bees play a crucial role in pollination and agricultural productivity.
The research is supported under a National Bee Board project, with a focus on increasing colony resilience and scaling up honey production through improved techniques.
