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In a groundbreaking development for Nepal's apiculture sector, the Beekeeping Development Programme based in Bhandara, Chitwan, has successfully produced queen bees through artificial insemination for the first time.
According to Programme Chief Sujan Amgai, five queen bees of the Apis mellifera species were produced using this advanced breeding technique, with technical assistance from beekeeping experts at the University of Florida, USA.
“The queen bee is the sole fertile female in a honeybee colony and plays a vital role in laying eggs to sustain the hive,” explained Amgai. “This new breeding method aims to improve the genetic quality of bees, ultimately enhancing honey production.”
The project was carried out in collaboration with trained beekeeper Alice Maharjan and technicians from the programme. Although an attempt to produce a queen bee last fiscal year failed, Amgai expressed satisfaction that this time all five queen bees have survived.
Artificially bred queen bees are believed to have higher productivity and greater immunity compared to naturally bred ones. However, Amgai noted that further research is needed to understand their full life cycle and long-term impact on honey production.
This success marks a significant step forward for modern beekeeping practices in Nepal and is expected to benefit commercial honey producers across the country.
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