Beekeeping in Russia is understood as a traditional area of agriculture, which consists of the production of valuable biologically active products for the population and industrial raw materials. At the same time, this industry is distinguished by certain features that all novice beekeepers should definitely take into account. It is also worth getting acquainted with the most promising Russian regions and choosing the right bee breed.
Story
In Russia, people have been engaged in beekeeping since ancient times. It is believed that this branch of agriculture flourished from the ninth to the eighteenth centuries.However, subsequently forests began to be cut down en masse, which led to the decline of this direction.
Until the end of the nineteenth century, beekeeping was primitive. Many bees lived in logs and nest boxes. At the same time, the productivity of bee colonies was no more than 3-4 kilograms. Beekeeping received a new stage of development in the Soviet Union. In 1934, the Beekeeping Department was created under the People's Commissariat of Agriculture. In 1938, the number of bee colonies reached 8.6 million. At the same time, their productivity gradually increased.
In 1989, there were 8.5 million families in the USSR, each of which brought 14 kilograms of marketable honey. In advanced farms, the productivity indicator was 35-40 kilograms.
In 1990, there were 4.3 million bee colonies in Russia. At the same time, in 1991, 42 thousand tons of honey were produced. During 1991-2001, honey production amounted to 50 thousand tons per year - mainly due to the private sector. In 1993-1998, the number of bee colonies decreased by 25%.
Beekeeping today
According to the National Union of Beekeepers of the Russian Federation, in 2014 the honey yield exceeded 102 thousand tons. Subsequently, this figure was at the same level. A distinctive feature of modern beekeeping is considered to be a high percentage of counterfeit products on the market. Depending on the bee breeding area, this parameter is 30-70%.
In 2017, scientists from the Higher School of Economics published research according to which the number of bees in Russia has decreased by 40% over 10 years. If this trend continues, bees could disappear completely as early as 2035. This will cause an environmental disaster.To avoid this, on March 20, 2024, the all-Russian public organization “Union of Beekeepers of Russia” was formed. Her work is aimed at supporting the industry.
The main advantages of beekeeping in Russia include the following:
- Relatively small amount of initial capital. It is permissible to start your activity in this area by purchasing literally several bee colonies and hives. You will also need special clothing and equipment.
- No taxes for amateurs. At the same time, it is quite acceptable to sell surplus products.
- Favorable climatic conditions in the country.
Development centers
Today in Russia there are the following centers for the development of beekeeping:
- Belgorod region. This is a convenient location for this area. There are 6,400 beekeepers registered here. The region is constantly using new programs, plans and projects that are aimed at increasing honey production.
- Volgograd region. Although most of the region is occupied by forests, and meadows account for only 10%, beekeeping in this region is developing well. There are 2,500 private beekeepers in the region.
- Bryansk region. This region is characterized by mixed nature, which is suitable for the effective development of beekeeping. Most honey is produced by amateur beekeepers. The largest farm includes 120 bee colonies.
- Kemerovo region. It is located in the southeast of Siberia. That is why in 1957 there was a need to create a special Kemerovo system. It is based on 4 inspections of hives in the spring - cleaning, quick inspection, sanitary treatment, audit.Breeding bees in this region is considered a difficult process, since it is necessary to constantly cull weak colonies, replacing them with strong and productive ones. In addition, the system provides for the replacement of the old uterus. This helps increase productivity.
- Voronezh region. This region has favorable conditions for the development of beekeeping. It is characterized by relatively wet summers and a warm climate. Today there are many stationary and nomadic apiaries here.
- Krasnoyarsk region. This is a very productive region. At the same time, beekeeping is now becoming more and more difficult. This is due to a significant decrease in the number of bee colonies.
- Rostov region. Beekeeping is developing rapidly in this region. Moreover, this is more typical for the north-west. This part of the region has a favorable climate and flat territory, which is presented in the form of steppes.
Suitable breeds
For breeding in Russia, it is permissible to use different breeds of bees. The most preferred options include the following:
- Central Russian - have become widespread. They are large in size and can withstand severe frosts. Such individuals are characterized by resistance to many diseases. They are also distinguished by high productivity and very fertile queens.
- Buckfast - bees of this breed are considered the most popular honey collectors. This is the only completely artificial breed today. These individuals have many advantages. They easily adapt to any climate and are highly resistant to disease. Bees are also characterized by a very keen sense of smell and a peaceful nature. They are not prone to active swarming and produce a lot of honey.
- Ukrainian steppe - in appearance, representatives of this breed resemble Central Russian bees. They are distinguished by a gray color with small elements of yellow and black shades. The mass of one individual is 110 milligrams, and the proboscis reaches 6.7 millimeters. Such bees easily tolerate cold and are highly productive. They are characterized by strong immunity and a high level of swarming.
To choose the right bee breed, it is recommended to focus on a number of parameters. The main characteristics include the state of the immune system, tendency to swarm, productivity, aggressiveness, and fertility of the uterus.
Beekeeping in Russia is considered a promising and profitable area. At the same time, it is characterized by a number of features. To get a lot of high-quality honey, it is important to choose the right breed of bees depending on the climate and other features of the area.
