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Digambar B Mahindre
2004 260 pages (M005)
Apis dorsata is a species of honey bee found in Asia. It builds large, single combs, suspended from branches of trees, cliffs or city buildings. In many parts of India honey is obtained from these bees by means of ‘honey hunting’, plundering the nest for its honey. Around 22,000 tonnes of honey are harvested annually this way. During the process many bees and colonies are killed, and the honey harvested may be of poor quality.
Digambar Mahindre has studied and worked with Apis dorsata for over 50 years, and has developed a way of harvesting high quality honey, and without harm to the bees. He uses an ‘attraction plank’, where the bees are encouraged to settle and build their nest. Using this plank the colony can be lowered for harvesting. Smoke is used to clear bees from the part of the comb where honey is stored. The area of honeycomb is then cut out, without damage to the rest of the nest.
This book contains a large amount of useful information about Apis dorsata : its current status for honey production in India, honey hunting, and experiences of working with tribal groups. An interesting text and record of Mr Mahindre’s life work.
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