Himachal: Himalayan Bee Parks to Protect Indigenous Bees, Will Serve as Tourist and Educational Hubs
The Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Department has launched a new initiative to conserve indigenous bees (Apis cerana). Under this plan, special Himalayan Bee Parks will be developed in Shimla, Kangra, and Una districts. The parks will focus on bee conservation, provide training to farmers, and plant flowers to support pollination.
Each park will have 100 mud hives for Apis cerana and 100 wooden boxes for Apis mellifera. Honey and other natural products derived from bees will also be available for visitors. These parks are expected to become tourist attractions while also serving as educational hubs for school and college students.
According to the Horticulture Department, the Himalayan Bee Parks aim to conserve Himalayan indigenous bees, improve pollination services for horticulture and agricultural crops, and enhance the skills of rural youth and women. The department plans to complete the construction of these parks within this year.
Dr. Dalip Nargeta, an apiculture expert, said that foreign bees pollinate best at 18-24°C, whereas indigenous bees thrive at 15-22°C, making these parks ideal for promoting local bee species.
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