ABSTRACT
This study explores the promising potential of apiculture in Dare Village, Mahabaleshwar, highlighting its significant role in enhancing food security and promoting environmental sustainability through pollination services. Despite climate variability, beekeeping continues to thrive as a resilient livelihood, supporting local communities and contributing to biodiversity conservation. The study identifies consistently high honey quality, with rich medicinal properties, while reporting selected local flora that provides abundant nectar sources. Although rising temperatures, altered flowering cycles, and pesticide exposure pose challenges, the research underscores the capacity of adaptive management practices to safeguard honey yields and colony health. The study advocates for integrating traditional beekeeping wisdom with modern technologies to boost productivity and climate resilience. Promoting sustainable apiculture in Dare Village requires a holistic approach that balances ecological integrity with community well-being. Strengthening cooperatives and improving market access, along with encouraging value-added honey products such as organic and infused varieties, can contribute to local livelihoods. Equally important are conservation efforts, including afforestation with native nectar-yielding plants and minimizing pesticide use, which are vital for maintaining resilient bee populations and supporting biodiversity. Collaboration among government bodies, NGOs, and local stakeholders will play a key role in providing technical training, financial assistance, and ethical trade practices. With integrated strategies and inclusive policies, Dare Village’s apiculture sector can serve as a model for harmonizing environmental stewardship with rural development.
AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS
1 Department of Environment Science, Dr DY Patil Arts, Commerce & Science College, Pimpri, Pune (Maharashtra) Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University
2 Department of Environmental Science, Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune (Maharashtra) Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University
3 Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College (Empowered Autonomous Institute), Mumbai (Maharashtra) Affiliated to University of Mumbai
4 Department of Zoology, Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune (Maharashtra) Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University
CITATION
Gaikwad SB, Mane AB, Adake KK and Terdalkar SS (2025) Impacts of Changing Microclimatic Conditions on Apiculture Practices at Dare Village, Mahabaleshwar. Environmental Science Archives 4(2): 445-455.
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