
A stingless bee aids
tomato flower fertilisation.
- DIMAPUR — Researchers at Nagaland University
have made a groundbreaking discovery that certain species of stingless bees can
be used to increase agricultural yield through pollination.
- A press release on Monday stated that the identified
species, Tetragonula iridipennis Smith and Lepidotrigona arcifera Cockerell,
offer a promising alternative to traditional honeybees and could revolutionise
crop production in the region.

A stingless bee in
action, pollinating a chilli flower—part of Nagaland University's research into
sustainable crop pollination methods.
- The research, led by Dr. Avinash Chauhan, Scientist
and Principal Investigator (AICRP Honeybees & Pollinators) at the
Department of Entomology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University,
demonstrated that introducing these stingless bees as pollinators resulted in a
substantial increase in both the yield and quality of various crops grown under
greenhouse conditions.
- The findings have been published in prestigious
peer-reviewed journals, including the International Journal of Farm Sciences.
- Their research outcomes over the past seven to ten
years have opened up numerous opportunities for stakeholders to rear stingless
bees for quality honey production, minimising bee losses and maximising
profitability, said Dr. Chauhan.

Distribution of
stingless bee hives for pollination and honey production under Nagaland
University's research initiatives.
-1748260926063.jpg)
A modern meliponiary
housing stingless bees at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema
Campus.
- “With the introduction of stingless bees as
pollinators in different crops under greenhouse conditions, the yield and
quality of produce increased several times in different crops.
- “Stingless bees could be used for pollination without
fear of being stung. They are known for their popular medicinal honey and
pollination potential, which paves the way for the formulation of crop
pollination calendars to benefit all stakeholders. The honey produced by the
bees during the experiments also provided extra income besides good crop
production,” the press release stated.
- The research specifically highlighted the positive
impact of stingless bee pollination on chilli crops. Compared to crops without
pollination, those pollinated by stingless bees showed a marked increase in
both production quantity and quality.
- “For supplementing the pollination deficit in chilli,
stingless bees and honeybee species like A dorsata, A florea - and other
wild bees like halictid bees, syrphid bees and Amegiella bees need to be
conserved,” it suggested.
- In king chilli, the fruit set percentage increased to
29.46% compared to the 21% observed in non-pollinated crops. Similarly, in
chilli (Capsicum annuum), fruit set
and healthy fruit yield increased by 7.42% and 7.92%, respectively, compared to
non-pollinated crops.
- Seed weight, a crucial indicator of viability and
germination, also saw a remarkable increase of 60.74% when pollinated by
stingless bees.
- “This is the maiden attempt to work out the
pollination potential of stingless bees and quality production of honey, which
led to increased income and sustainable livelihood. Earlier, it was difficult
to use honeybees for pollination of crops (inadequate pollination) due to their
natural attributes,” it added.
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