Himachal: Himalayan Bee Park to be built for conservation of native bees

February 27, 2026

The Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Department is launching a new initiative to conserve the endangered native honey bee (Apis cerana). The department is developing special Himalayan Bee Parks for this purpose. Shimla, Kangra, and Una districts have been selected for this purpose.

Being enduring, the mountain honey bee is adapted to all conditions, making its conservation essential. The department is developing a trial bee park to conserve the honey bees. Farmers will also be trained in conservation, and flower plants will also be planted in the park. One hectare of land will house 100 mud hives for Apis cerana bees and 100 wooden boxes for Apis mellifera bees.

In addition, honey and natural products made from it will also be available. This park will be a tourist attraction and an educational hub for school and college students. According to department data, apple cultivation covers approximately 1.20 lakh hectares in the state. Four boxes are required for pollination per hectare during the season.

Currently, native bee species are on the verge of extinction. Most gardeners use Italian honeybees (Apis mellifera) for pollination. They produce more honey than native bees. However, the honey of native Apis cerana is considered superior in quality.

The Horticulture Department will establish a Himalayan Bee Park at PCDO Sunni, along with PCDO Gummar in Kangra and PCDO Saloh in Una. The department has submitted a project to the National Bee Board.

Bees are needed for many crops. This demand is expected to increase in the future. Himalayan Bee Parks will prove helpful. Foreign bees perform better pollination at temperatures ranging from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. However, the best temperature for native bees to pollinate is 15 to 22 degrees Celsius.