The Beehives of Stingless Bees in Manipur, India and Their Ecological and Economic Impact to Farmers

Stingless bees (Trigona spp.) are important pollinators in tropical and subtropical ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and agricultural productivity. In Manipur, traditional bamboo beehives are used to house these bees, reflecting a culturally significant and sustainable approach to beekeeping. This study examines the ecological and economic impacts of stingless bee beekeeping with bamboo hives in Manipur, using data from field surveys, interviews, and honey production analysis. The results show that stingless bees contribute to a 25-30% increase in crop yield through enhanced pollination. Bamboo beekeeping also generates an average household income increase of 20-35% from the sale of honey and other products. The demand of stingless bee honey is becoming high due to its unique medicinal properties. Despite these benefits, challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and technical limitations persist. The findings suggest that integrating traditional knowledge with modern beekeeping practices could address these challenges and optimize the ecological and economic potential of stingless bee conservation in the region. This paper emphasizes for supportive policies and further research to fully realize the potential of bamboo beekeeping in Manipur.