Bhubaneswar: A recent study by wildlife researchers Rajkishore Swain, Sandesh Behera, and Subhani Rath has highlighted growing threats to honeybee diversity in Odisha due to habitat loss, climate change, and excessive pesticide use.
The study notes that honeybees contribute to over 70% of pollination in certain crops and ornamental plants in Bhubaneswar, underlining their critical role in agriculture and ecosystem stability.
Key species identified include Apis cerana indica, Apis dorsata, Apis florea, Apis mellifera, and the stingless Tetragonula iridipennis. Among these, Apis cerana indica plays a vital role in small-scale rural beekeeping, while Apis dorsata is crucial for wild honey production and forest pollination.
Researchers have recommended promoting sustainable apiculture practices, developing floral corridors, and adopting integrated pest management techniques to reduce harm to pollinators. They also emphasised the need for community awareness and conservation of nesting and nectar sites.
Protecting honeybee populations is essential not only for maintaining biodiversity but also for ensuring stable crop yields in key agricultural produce such as mustard, sunflower, pulses, and fruits, the study noted.
-OdishaAge
