Scientific Beekeeping and Commercial Honey Production: A Case Study at KARE Crop Cafeteria, Krishnankovil, Tamil Nadu, India

This study documents the establishment of an experimental apiary at the KARE Crop Cafeteria, Krishnankovil, Tamil Nadu, India, and evaluates its economic feasibility through a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) analysis. The apiary was systematically set up within the college premises, including hive placement, colony management, and seasonal maintenance practices. Beekeeping is a major livelihood activity, predominantly in rural areas, providing a perennial source of employment for family members. It denotes the relationship between humans and bees, which highlights the economic, ecological, and cultural significance of beekeeping worldwide. It deals with the techniques for hive management, bee health, and sustainable practices that aim at conserving bee populations. Moreover, beekeeping underscores its role in pollination, biodiversity conservation, and the global food system. Managed honey bees are the primary commercial pollinators for crops that rely on animal-assisted pollination, contributing to approximately 35% of global food production. The analysis revealed that well-managed scientific beekeeping generated profitable returns, demonstrating its suitability for small- and medium-scale rural adoption. Beyond economic benefits, the project contributed to pollinator conservation, student training, and community awareness, highlighting the potential of institutional apiaries as models for rural livelihood development and sustainable agricultural systems.