Medicinal Beekeeping for BeekeepersBeekeeping in the world is an agricultural activity that can be done with a small capital in a short time and without the need for land. In addition, due to the importance of the bee in pollination, the benefit it provides to nature is much more important in terms of sustainable life and the balance of nature.
The main purpose of honeybee breeding in Turkey and in the world is to produce honey, which is an important agricultural product in human nutrition. Apart from honey, bee products such as pollen, royal jelly, propolis, bee venom, apilarnil, and beeswax are commercially seen as products that bring an additional income besides honey.
The importance of bee products (honey, pollen, propolis, bee venom, bee larvae, beeswax, bee bread) used in the field of health for centuries is increasing. The demand for these products for apitherapy in the field of health and cosmetics will gradually increase. however, beekeepers who produce apitherapy and bee runes for apitherapy purposes need to be trained and informed on this subject. The correct production, storage, and use of bee products to be used in health are now important for human and animal health.
According to 2020 data, India, which ranks first in the world's total amount of hives, has a share of 13.6% with 12.2 million hives. China is in the second place with a share of 10.1% with 9.2 million hives, and Turkey is in the third place with a share of 9.0% with 8.2 million hives.
Although it is at the forefront in terms of the number of hives in Turkey, honey production per hive is not sufficient. Apitherapy applications are increasing gradually in Turkey and in the future, production of other bee products for apitherapy purposes will be important in certain standards, apart from honey.