Several of our agricultural farms in semi-arid lands are surrounded by common lands, sometimes forested, sometimes heavily degraded. Often, these lands are dotted with old trees, scrub forests and waterbodies. Precisely the kind of habitats preferred by native bees.

In rural Bahraich in northern UP, a survey of bee nesting sites in and around agricultural farms gives a glimpse of the role of –
– mud structures such as old buildings (Kaccha makaan)
– cavities and crevices in old trees
– hedge diversity around farms
– weed diversity within the farms

Bees cannot distinguish between chemical free and pesticide sprayed flowers while foraging. But it is believed that chemicals have a negative impact on bee colonies, apart from the fact that honey collected from bee hives or boxes in the vicinity of pesticide sprayed crops is not safe for human consumption.

In our bee nest spotting trails, we were often led by children to nests of Trigona, less visible than Apis dorsata or Apis cerana. While some village folk believe that bees play a role in improving their crop output, others see no connection between bees and fruit set in crops. Irrespective of bees are perceived, most natives are aware of where the nesting sites are. They also understand that with the increase in concrete buildings, Trigona bee nesting substrates have diminished.

Some of these locals are nothing less than conservation heroes and their knowledge holds great value.