Proceedings of International Expert Meeting on Beekeeping Development in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region, held in Kathmandu during 21-23 June 1989, organized by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Ministry of Agriculture, Nepal, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

"Today, the entire Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is facing a near crisis situation, both economical and environmental. National development strategies in this region are therefore being reoriented with major emphasis on food, income, nutrition and ecological security, especially for the unprivileged. In this task, ICIMOD, has a special role to play. The primary objective is to promote economically and environmentally sound programmes for the socioeconomic upliftment of the mountain farmers living at or below subsistence level. Apiculture (Beekeeping) is one such activity which fits very well into the policies and programmes of ICIMOD in relation to sustainable development of mountain agriculture." "This book presents 20 successful beekeeping experiences of experts from various fields, from countries such as China, one of the major producers and exporters of honey and other hive products; from Himachal Pradesh in northern India, which has taken a lead in utilizing honeybees in apple orchards for pollination purposes to boost production and improve quality; and other such success stories which can be of help to other countries where initiatives have been taken to develop apiculture on modern scientific lines."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This is a comprehensive, authentic, and standard book on unique fundamentals applied to advances in insect pollination technology in the sustainable agriculture industry. This book aims to accomplish the needs of undergraduate and postgraduate students in insect pollination technology. Entomologists, agronomists, horticulturists, environmental scientists, plant breeders, researchers, professionals, extension workers, seed producers, and industrial entrepreneurs will benefit from this book. The book is divided into fourteen chapters which deal with a broad and comprehensive range of topics on advance in insect pollination technology in sustainable agriculture, global agro-industry in the absence of insect pollinators – historical outlook, pollination concepts and crop production.

The Eastern Himalayan region is blessed with biologically diverse natural resources. The wide-ranging topographies and congental agro-climates offer immense potential for growing almost all conceivable horticultural crops namely fruits, vegetables, plantations, spices, ornamentals, flowers, aromatic and medicinal crops, etc.

Bees provide a critical link in the maintenance of ecosystems, pollination. They play a major role in maintaining biodiversity, ensuring the survival of many plants, enhancing forest regeneration, providing sustainability and adaptation to climate change and improving the quality and quantity of agricultural production systems. In fact, close to 75 percent of the world’s crops that produce fruits and seeds for human consumption depend, at least in part, on pollinators for sustained production, yield and quality. Beekeeping, also called apiculture, refers to all activities concerned with the practical management of social bee species. These guidelines aim to provide useful information and suggestions for a sustainable management of bees around the world, which can then be applied to project development and implementation.