Buzzing with Knowledge – Students Explore Beekeeping at Zoology Department’s Apiary Unit

Discovering the World of Bees

Beekeeping, once a traditional art, has evolved into a professional and profitable enterprise — offering income opportunities and supporting biodiversity. To expose students to this fascinating field, the Department of Zoology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, organized an educational visit to their Apiary Unit at Machher on 6th July 2022.

Exploring the Habitat of European Honey Bees

The visit was designed to help students understand the habitat and behavior of the honeybee (Apis mellifera). Students learned how bees thrive in the natural environment, particularly in the lush landscapes surrounding Eternal University — rich with trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, making it ideal for beekeeping.

Beekeeping – Beyond Honey Production

The session highlighted how modern beekeeping has become a professional activity with multiple career opportunities, including:

• Hive carpentry and colony production
• Honey trading and marketing
• Renting bees for crop pollination
• Bee-based micro-enterprises

Students were introduced to the major products of beekeeping — honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, pollen, and even bee venom — and learned about their uses in food, cosmetics, and medicine.

A Hands-On Demonstration

A live demonstration gave students practical insights into handling beehives and understanding the significance of bees in pollination and sustainable agriculture. The visit also opened their eyes to how beekeeping can serve as an additional source of income, especially in regions with underutilized agricultural land.

 A Sweet Learning Experience

This experimental visit not only raised awareness about the importance of bees and beekeeping but also inspired students to consider bee-related enterprises as a viable and eco-friendly profession.