Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s):
Ishita Mishra and Kiran Rana

Abstract:
Beekeeping forms an integral part of the small holder farming system and plays a significant role as a source of additional cash income in subsistence farming. Beekeeping has a special significance for farmers in the Kumaon hills. It offers a way for those with few resources – especially poor and landless farmers and women – to gain income, as it requires only a small start-up investment, can be carried out in a small space close to the house, and generally yields profits within the first year of operation. The present study was conducted in four villages viz; Jeoli, Gaga, Baluti and Chopra. The respondents were selected through census method from Bhimtal block in Nainital district which lies in Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. A pre tested interview schedule was used to determine the profile characteristics of the Beekeepers. The findings of the study revealed that almost all the respondents interviewed were Male and majority (68.42%) of them were in between the age of 31 to 52 years. Most of the respondents belonged to general category (96.05%) and had attended middle school and high school (35.53%) for education. Slightly less than the half of the respondents (43.43%) belonged to nuclear family system and had medium family size (81.57%). The data reveals that majority of the respondents have medium total annual income (61.84%), medium number of boxes owned (63.16%), medium level of experience in beekeeping (78.95%), The results of the study will be helpful to extension personnel and scientists to orient their work on major thrust area which are profitable and applicable.