Bee Keeping (4)

Bee keepingmaterials:Beekeeping is a simple technology; it cannot really be called high technology when compared with other high-tech agriculture. All the physical inputs needed for high-tech beekeeping can easily be produced in carpentry, tailoring, and tin-smith shops at the local level. A viable high-tech beekeeping system at this level would differ from that of a developed region primarily in mechanization. For example, human power would replace the motors of extractors.The following will be needed by a beekeeper: 1.    Hive: This houses the bee colony 2.    Hive stand: The hive is placed on it instead of placing it on the ground 3.    Smoker: This is used to smoke and scare bees before the hive is opened. 4.    Bee Suit: This is a protective covering of the body from bees 5.    A pair of jungle boots: Used to cover the leg. 6.    A pair of gloves: Covering of hands 7.    Swarm catchers: These are used to collect swarming or absconding bees. 8.    Brush: To clean up comb of bees during harvesting 9.    Baiting materials: To attract bees. 10. Hive tool: A metal device used to open hives, pry frames apart, and scrape wax and propolis from the hive parts. 11. Knife: Used to shave or remove the cappings from combs of sealed honey prior to extraction; usually heated by steam or electricity.Beekeeping is an activity which fits well with the philosophy of small-scale development. There is a great potential for developing beekeeping in many areas. Benefits to cropsMany plants depend on bees for pollination, and without them, would  no fruit  be produced. Even a casual beekeeper will see improvements in the plants around the hive, particularly if they are in an area where the wild bee population has been diminished. It is estimated that 80 per cent of pollination by insects is performed by bees. Medical benefits of beekeeping ·  Bee venom is used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. The use of bees in medical practices is known as apitherapy.Beekeeping can: - Supply an additional non-perishable food for rural people- Provide cash crops for rural people honey and wax.- Be a means of gainful work when the farmer is not involved in planting staple crops.-Create work for local craftsmen who make equipment.
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