World Bee Day

World Bee Day History

World Bee Day is a significant global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the essential role bees and other pollinators play in preserving and maintaining the ecosystem. The observance highlights the urgent need to protect bee populations from threats such as pesticides, loss of habitat, and climate change. Bees are crucial for the growth of plants and the production of food.

For India, global interest in bee conservation is highly relevant. India is home to over 1,200 species of bees and other pollinators that immensely contribute to the sustenance of its agricultural sector. The Indian government has recognized the importance of beekeeping in sustainable agriculture and rural economy through initiatives like the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission, which has been set up to enhance honey production and boost farmers' incomes.

Typical customs and activities for observing World Bee Day in India involve participation in awareness programmes, seminars, and workshops to promote the significance of beekeeping and the conservation of bee habitat. The observance of World Bee Day in India every year reminds its citizens to appreciate and safeguard the valuable role of bees in supporting sustainable agriculture for a better future. World Bee Day falls on May 20th annually, commemorating the birth anniversary of Slovenian beekeeping pioneer Anton Janša.

World Bee Day facts

• According to the UN, about 35% of invertebrate pollinators (bees and butterflies) face global extinction due to human impact.
• A single honeybee can produce around 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.
• A typical honeybee colony can consist of 20,000 to 80,000 bees during peak season.
• Bees are considered sacred and are a symbol of prosperity and good luck in India. The Hindu goddess, Bhramari Devi, is believed to reside in the form of a bee and is worshipped as the goddess of bees.
• Karnataka the first state in India to implement a unique identification number for bee colonies, enabling better tracking and management of honeybee populations.

In the News and Trending in India for World Bee Day

Top things to do in India for World Bee Day

• Do what you can to help bees! Plant native plants and flowers, avoid using pesticides or herbicides, and purchase honey from local farmers.
• Explore a collection of poems about bees and their importance.
• Check out this YoutTube video on traditonal honey removal in India: Smoke chases thousands of bees
• Check out your local universities and bee keeping organizations and attend a beekeeping workshop. These events promote the importance of bees and beekeeping in India, as well as inform the public about sustainable beekeeping practices.