Seeking to boost rural incomes, the Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers and Oil Millers Association is promoting integrated beekeeping in oilseed fields to create mutual economic benefits for farmers and beekeepers alike.
Beekeeping significantly contributes to oil crop cultivation and domestic oil production.
This integrated model will help cross-pollinated plants see a significant increase in crop yield with the help of bees, improving the yield. Placing beehives near crop fields can improve the quality of the crops. Moreover, bees are essential insects for a green environment and forests, as most flowering plants worldwide depend on bee pollination. Pollination by bees increases crop yields, ensuring food security. Oil crops such as sunflower and sesame especially require cross-pollination. As bees move from flower to flower to collect nectar, pollen transfer significantly boosts seed yields. Successfully pollinated seeds tend to be heavier and have a higher oil content.
Beekeeping in oil crop fields creates a win-win situation for both farmers and beekeepers. If farmers engage in beekeeping themselves, they can make more income by producing and selling high-value products such as honey, beeswax, and other bee by-products.
Beekeepers benefit from natural nectar from oil crop fields, allowing them to produce high-quality honey. With global demand for natural organic products gradually rising, organic honey exports from Myanmar see a promising opportunity, having high potential for export promotion. Furthermore, the expansion of beekeeping businesses supports the development of local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in rural and township areas, creating new job opportunities and increasing household incomes for locals. — NN/KK
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