Indigenous technology in beekeeping of stingless bees (Trigona SPS.) by locals of south Goa, India

Abstract

In India Honeybees viz., Apis cerana indica (Indian bee), Apis mellifera (Italian bee), Apis dorsata (Rock bee), Apis florea (Little bee) and Trigona sps. (Stingless bee) are observed pollinating different crops. Apis cerana indica (Indian bee or Satode muha mus) is scientifically domesticated by Goan locals considering its role in pollination as well as honey production. However, Trigona sps. (konyatale muha mus) is domesticated by few local Goans in south Goa with indigenous technology which is inherited from their ancestors. This study was done to understand indigenous technology to rear (Trigona sps.) stingless bee which is unque and not used in other honeybee species. The present findings also give importance to evolve commercial strategies to extract pure natural honey from Trigona sps. and conservation of stingless bee. Locals of South Goa have developed technology to rear stingless bees in earthen pots, bamboo poles, areca nut poles and wooden logs. Stingless bees build a comb made up of propolis, mud and about 300-400 g pure honey per colony per year. Due to medicinal value the honey produced by Trigona sps., fetches good price in the range of Rs.2000 to 3000 per kg of honey.