Investigation of the Current Status, Management Practices, Colony Losses and Constraints of Apis mellifera L. in North Kashmir, India

Abstract

Apis mellifera L. is the principal managed pollinator species contributing significantly to agricultural productivity, pollination services and rural livelihoods. The present study was conducted during 2024–2026 to assess the current status, management practices, colony losses and constraints affecting Apis mellifera beekeeping in North Kashmir. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 15 registered commercial beekeepers selected from Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts. Information on colony holdings, honey production, migratory beekeeping, pollination services, colony management practices, disease incidence, colony losses and major constraints was collected through personal interviews and field observations. The surveyed beekeepers maintained a total of 2,865 colonies with an average colony holding of 191 colonies per beekeeper. Honey production ranged from 20–25 kg per colony per year. Migratory beekeeping was widely practiced, with 93.3% of respondents migrating colonies to exploit seasonal floral resources, while 46.7% provided pollination services in horticultural crops. Varroa mites (73.3%) and wax moth (66.7%) were the most frequently reported pests affecting colony health. Seasonal colony losses were highest during winter (12.4%) and lowest during summer (3.0%). Migration-related stress was identified as the principal cause of colony losses, followed by pesticide exposure and disease incidence. Migration-related problems, pesticide exposure and diseases were ranked as the major constraints affecting sustainable beekeeping development in the region. The study provides baseline information on the status of Apis mellifera beekeeping in North Kashmir and highlights the need for improved migratory management, disease surveillance, beekeeper training and judicious pesticide use to enhance colony survival and honey production.