The Thriving Beekeeping Traditions in Kashmir’s Apple Orchards
Shakeel Bin Abdul Ali
Nestled just 4 kilometres away from the bustling town of Achabal in South Kashmir, the picturesque village of Kothair paints a serene canvas of nature. As you step into this tranquil haven, you are welcomed by a harmonious symphony of sounds – a continuous buzzing and hissing that fills the air. These are the voices of countless bees that have found their haven amidst the sprawling apple orchard of Bashir Ahmad Dugga.
This meticulously maintained farm is a breathtaking sight, graced by numerous beehives strategically nestled among the branches of apple trees, each bowing under the weight of countless ruby-red apples. Within this enchanting setting, beekeeping has blossomed into a prosperous enterprise, not only offering a means of livelihood but also nurturing the aspirations of its devoted steward, now in his forties.
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of beekeeping in Kashmir, exploring the journey of Bashir Ahmad Dugga, his dedication to modern beekeeping techniques, the significance of bees as natural pollinators, and the broader history and challenges of beekeeping in the valley.
Beekeeping: An Age-Old Tradition
Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, is a practice that dates back over 10,000 years. The earliest beekeepers collected honey from wild bee hives. Over time, they developed techniques for attracting and keeping bees in artificial hives, typically made from hollow logs or woven baskets. Ancient civilisations such as Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome all practiced beekeeping, with the Romans being particularly skilled and documenting their techniques extensively.
In the Middle Ages, beekeeping continued to flourish in Europe and the Middle East, with honey being a valuable source of food and sweetness. However, it was in the 19th century that beekeeping underwent a revolution with the invention of the movable frame hive. This innovation allowed beekeepers to efficiently inspect and manage their colonies, leading to increased productivity.
Modern Beekeeping in Kashmir
Bashir Ahmad Dugga, the enterprising beekeeper from Kothair village, has embraced the principles of modern beekeeping with passion and dedication. Learning the art of bee rearing from his mentor, Mohd Yousuf Bhat from Bragham Dooru, he now owns around 300 beehives, utilising contemporary scientific techniques to ensure the health and vitality of his bee colonies.
One of his key practices involves daily examination of the bee combs to guarantee the well-being of his bees. Additionally, he employs various chemical treatments to ward off termites that pose a threat to the hives. His adoption of scientific methods significantly enhances honey production, leading to an annual yield of more than 10000 kgs of honey ( @ 35-40 Kg per hive) and an annual turnover ranging from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 9 lakh. In addition to this, he also provides employment to 2 to 3 individuals.
Bashir Ahmad Dugga emphasises the comparatively low input costs of beekeeping when compared to traditional apple farming, asserting that “the apiculture business is highly profitable.” Expanding his dedication beyond the Kashmir Valley, he establishes apiaries in Jammu for approximately two months and in Rajasthan for about five months during the challenging winter season when the local climate becomes unsuitable for his bee colonies.
The Potential of Beekeeping in Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is recognized as one of the most significant beekeeping regions in India. The area benefits from abundant raw materials and a robust demand for honey. Dugga asserts that Kashmir produces top-quality honey, and there is a perennial demand for this product. He has successfully established his brand, attracting a loyal customer base that flocks to his home, particularly during winters, to purchase his prized honey.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir recognises the immense potential of beekeeping in the region and has initiated various schemes to support beekeepers. This includes financial assistance and policies aimed at bolstering the beekeeping industry.
Historical Perspective: Beekeeping in Kashmir
Beekeeping in Kashmir holds a rich historical legacy, with documented evidence dating back to at least the 12th century. The Rajatarangini, a historical chronicle of Kashmir penned by Kalhana Pandit in 1148-1150 AD, provides a glimpse into the ancient practice of beekeeping in the valley. It attests to the existence of honeybees in Kashmir for centuries and highlights the trade and medicinal value attributed to honey.
The traditional beekeeping system in Kashmir, known as the “log hive” system, involves crafting beehives from hollowed-out tree logs. These logs are either suspended from trees or placed on the ground, with bees entering and exiting through a small front hole. Remarkably, this age-old practice is still prevalent in Kashmir today.
In the 15th century, experts from the Middle East introduced a new beekeeping system, now considered “modern.” This system employs movable frames, making hive inspection and honey extraction more convenient.
During the Mughal period (1526-1857), beekeeping thrived in Kashmir, with the Mughals actively promoting and supporting the industry. They also recognized honey’s diverse applications, utilising it in various foods and medicines.
However, in the 19th century, beekeeping faced challenges in Kashmir due to the introduction of imported sugar, deforestation, and pesticide usage, resulting in a decline in the industry. But recent years have witnessed a resurgence of beekeeping in the valley, spurred by governmental initiatives to supplement rural incomes and conserve local honeybee populations.
The Thriving Beekeeping Industry in Kashmir Today
Today, beekeeping thrives in Kashmir with over 100,000 beekeepers contributing to an annual honey production exceeding 10,000 tons. Kashmiri honey is renowned for its exceptional quality and unique flavour, earning it a place in both national and international markets.
Besides honey production, beekeeping plays a crucial role in pollinating crops in Kashmir. Honeybees are responsible for pollinating numerous fruits, vegetables, and nuts grown in the valley. This pivotal role in agriculture underscores the importance of beekeeping in maintaining Kashmir’s agricultural productivity.
Challenges Faced by Beekeepers in Kashmir
While the beekeeping industry in Kashmir is thriving, it is not without its share of challenges. Some of the most pressing issues include:
• Pests and Diseases: Bee populations are vulnerable to pests and diseases such as varroa mites, American foul-brood, and European foul-brood. These threats can weaken and decimate bee colonies, necessitating constant monitoring and vigilance by beekeepers.
• Habitat Loss: Bees require a diverse range of flowering plants to forage for food. However, habitat loss due to deforestation, urbanisation, and agricultural expansion is shrinking the forage areas for bees, making it challenging for them to find adequate nutrition.
• Climate Change: The impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, disrupted foraging patterns, and increased spread of pests and diseases, pose significant threats to bee populations.
• Pesticide Use: Pesticides used in agriculture can harm bees both directly and indirectly. Bees can be poisoned while foraging on pesticide-treated flowers, and pesticides can also kill beneficial insects that bees rely on for food and pollination.
• Lack of Education and Support: Beekeeping is a complex endeavour, and new beekeepers require access to education and support resources. Limited availability of these resources can hinder the success of aspiring beekeepers.
Conclusion
Beekeeping in Kashmir has a storied history, deeply intertwined with the cultural and economic fabric of the region.Dugga’s journey is a testament to the enduring allure and profitability of this ancient practice, as he combines tradition with modern techniques to thrive in the beekeeping business.
As the industry continues to flourish in Kashmir, addressing the challenges faced by beekeepers remains imperative. Governmental support, environmentally conscious agricultural practices, and public awareness initiatives are crucial in safeguarding these essential pollinators and ensuring the continued success of beekeepers in the region.
Kashmir’s beekeepers, like Bashir Ahmad Dugga, are not only producing delectable honey but also playing a pivotal role in preserving the ecological balance and sustaining the agricultural bounty of this enchanting valley. Their dedication serves as a beacon, highlighting the sweet rewards that beekeeping offers amidst the apple-laden branches of Kashmir’s orchards.
