Multidimentional analysis of apiculturists in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts

Abstract

The study entitled “A multidimensional analysis of apiculturists in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts” was undertaken with an objective to promote apiculture by studying the selected profile characteristics of the beekeepers and their entrepreneurial qualities as also the extent of adoption of scientific beekeeping practices. It was also aimed to identify the constraints as perceived by the beekeepers so as to provide valuable suggestions for the development of the enterprise. The study was conducted in Chengal and Karode Panchayats in Thiruvananthapuram district and Ummannoor and Piravanthur Panchayats in Kollam. A sample of 30 respondents from each Panchayat were selected at random thus making a total of 120 respondents. Data were collected through well structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The data collected were statistically analysed using arithmetic mean, percentage analysis and simple correlation. The study revealed that majority of the respondents form both the districts had medium to high level of entrepreneurial behaviour and extent of adoption. Relationship of the profile characteristics with the entrepreneurial behaviour showed that in the case of Thiruvananthapuram district, variables namely economic motivation, extension orientation, mass media exposure, self confidence and knowledge on beekeeping practices were positively and significantly correlated. In the case of Kollam district, economic motivation, extension orientation, market perception, mass media exposure, attitude towards self employment and knowledge had a positively significant correlation with the entrepreneurial behaviour of the beekeepers. Correlation studies between the profile characteristics and the extent of adoption revealed that in Thiruvananthapuram district the variables viz., experience in beekeeping, economic motivation, market perception, mass media exposure and knowledge had a positive and significant relationship. Whereas in Kollam district, mass media exposure and knowledge were the only variables that were found to have a positively significant relationship with extent of adoption. Need for economic security followed by affiliation with fellow beekeepers and innovative urge to test the profitability of the enterprise were perceived by the beekeepers as the most important motives in the adoption of beekeeping. The most common marketing channel of honey that was found to be prevalent in the area was the Producer – Consumer. With regard to the constraints experienced by the beekeepers inadequate financial help from government and funding institutions followed by loss of colonies due to Thai sac brood virus attack, lack of insurance coverage to the bee colonies, high cost of sugar and non-fixation of minimum support price for honey were considered to be some of the major hindrances encountered by the beekeeping entrepreneurs.