Addressing Nutritional Gaps in Honey Bee Colonies: Synthesis of Existing Studies and Implications for Beekeeping Sustainability in West Bengal, India

Beekeeping in West Bengal faces several challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability, particularly when it comes to honey bee nutrition. Despite being a significant player in honey production, the region's beekeeping industry is limited by a lack of understanding regarding the nutritional needs of honey bee colonies, particularly in terms of the pollen they consume. The overemphasis on honey production has led to the neglect of other valuable hive products, including bee-pollen, which plays a crucial role in colony health. Furthermore, limited knowledge of the diversity, quantity, and nutritional composition of the pollen collected by bees creates significant barriers to optimizing bee nutrition and colony management. Seasonal fluctuations in forage availability, particularly during the dearth season, exacerbate these challenges, while inadequate infrastructure and insufficient awareness among beekeepers prevent effective nutritional interventions. This paper highlights the importance of investigating the nutritional value of pollen, as well as the need for supplementary feeding practices, to ensure optimal colony health. Understanding and addressing these nutritional gaps is essential not only for improving colony strength but also for enhancing the sustainability of beekeeping as a livelihood in West Bengal.