Adoption of Improved Beekeeping Practices among Beekeeping Entrepreneurs in Hadauti Region of Rajasthan, India
K. Gocher *
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, College of Agriculture, Ummedganj, Agriculture University, Kota, India.
K. C. Meena
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, College of Agriculture, Ummedganj, Agriculture University, Kota, India.
M. C. Goyal
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, College of Agriculture, Ummedganj, Agriculture University, Kota, India.
L. K. Meena
Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Ummedganj, Agriculture University, Kota, India.
S. Sharma
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, College of Agriculture, Ummedganj, Agriculture University, Kota, India.
J. C. Parmar
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, College of Agriculture, Ummedganj, Agriculture University, Kota, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study examined the socio-economic and psychological profile of beekeeping entrepreneurs and assessed the extent of adoption of improved beekeeping practices in the Hadauti region of Rajasthan. A sample of 120 registered beekeeping entrepreneurs was selected proportionately and randomly, and data were collected through a structured interview schedule. The information was analysed using frequency and percentage, while adoption was assessed across improved bee species or colonies, scientific hive management, feeding, disease and pest management, queen rearing, honey harvesting, storage and marketing, and seasonal management practices. The results showed that 59.17% of respondents belonged to the middle-age category and 71.67% had a medium level of education. Most respondents had 5 to 10 years of beekeeping experience, while 39.17% managed fewer than 50 hives. Overall adoption was predominantly at the medium level, reported by 46.67% of respondents, followed by high adoption among 35.83% and low adoption among 17.50%. Aspect-wise adoption quotients were highest for improved bee species or colonies and lowest for queen-rearing practices. The findings indicate that respondents had comparatively better adoption of routine beekeeping practices than specialised practices. The study therefore highlights the need for continued technical guidance and skill development focused on specialised components of improved beekeeping in the study area.
Keywords: Beekeeping, food security, adoption, livelihood, improved beekeeping practices