Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #44

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I will define Apiculture as the practice of keeping and caring for bees so they can produce useful products like honey, wax, etc.
It's also called bee farming.

A person who keep and care for bees is called a beekeeper or apiarist.

Bees are important not just for the production of honey, but also for their abilities to pollinate flowers which help plants and crops grow well.

Bees are so important in this aspect, because many plants would had not been able to produce fruits or seeds properly.

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Types of Apiculture

The different ways in which beekeepers keep and cared for their bees are;

• Fixed-comb method
  This is an old method where bees made their combs inside hollow tree trunks or traditional hives.
  The beekeeper can only remove the honey by destroying the combs.

• Movable-frame method
  This method involves keeping bees in special wooden boxes with movable frames.
  The method is simple and reliable, since the beekeeper will not need to destroy the combs to remove the honey.

• Indoor or observation hives
  It's used mainly for research and teaching purposes.
  The bees are enclosed in glass hives where people can see and study their behavior and other characteristics.

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Challenges in Apiculture and Solutions

• Pests and Diseases
  Bees may be attacked by pests like wax moths, ants, or mites. Introducing diseases into the colonies.

Solution
They should maintain regular cleanups of hives with specific modern beekeeping methods and make sure infected colonies are treated on time.

• Climate and Weather Problems
  Honey production may be hindered by climate conditions like excessive rain, drought, or harsh weather and may even leads to the death of bees.

Solution
Hives should be established in safe and dry places, shade should be provided during heat, and water should be available always.

• Lack of Knowledge
  Many people who want to keep bees do not have enough training. This makes them lose colonies or get poor results.

Solution
Organize training programs and workshops to teach beekeepers better practices.

• Use of Chemicals in Farming
  The use of harmful chemicals on crops by farmers is poisonous to bees and will probably reduce their numbers.

Solution
Farmers should be educated on when to use harmful chemicals or spray on their farms, as it may be proper to be used early morning or evening, when bees are less active.

• Stealing and Vandalism
  In most areas, stealing or destroying hives by people is so rampant that, makes it unsafe to keep bees.

Solution
Secured areas should be made for keeping bees, and in most cases, it should be done in groups to scare away thieves.

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Conclusion

Apiculture is a very essential for the production of honey, wax, and helps our plants grow well through pollination.

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Even with several challenges, with proper care, training, and protection, beekeeping can be successful and rewarding.

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I'm inviting @imohmitch, @alevina121 and @gloriaho to participate...

Cc,
@hive-118902