India has long been well known for its glorious tradition of beekeeping and honey hunting, rich and diversified bee flora and fauna and suitable climate for beekeeping almost throughout the year. India is one of the leading countries of Asia in beekeeping research and training. Beekeeping is now established and developed as a profitable agro- forest based industry providing basic employment, supplementary income and nutritious food to a large rural population besides enhancing crop productivity through pollination.

Judicious planning and meticulous implementation of different innovative programs of Central and State Governments, research institutions, private organizations, Universities and NGOs have paved the way for the modernization of beekeeping. In view of the availability of vast honey potentials, there is tremendous scope for further expansion, extension and diversification of beekeeping.

Beekeeping plays a crucial role in the present context of commercialization of agriculture and liberalization of economy. It covers entire scope of honeybee resources, bee products, beekeeping practices, pollination services and their interface with business systems and environment integrity. There is a significant unknown diversity of scientific and practical knowledge available in different countries which needs to be disseminated properly. Due to lack of coordination amongst different implementing agencies little information is available on the overall status of research, training and extension systems.

The International Beekeeping Conference will provide a forum for reorienting the policies and programs in the country resulting in more productive and sustainable apiculture. An international forum driven by a the Theme- “Beekeeping for sustainable livelihoods and rural development” is most apt in the present context.

The six day conference organized by Century Foundation, Bangalore, India will help to develop an agenda to ensure sustainable livelihood, natural resource use optimization and eco-system protection through income generating activities like beekeeping. It will bring together the international scientific community involved in the study of bees and an unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of bees and experience the wonderful hospitality of India .

Technical Sessions I Biology and Management of Honeybees II Bees and Crop Pollination III Honey Flora and Migratory Beekeeping IV Bee Pests, Diseases and Enemies V Bee Products: Processing and Marketing VI Honey quality, safety and International trade issues VII Beekeeping Technology and Equipment VIII Bees and Environment IX Beekeeping Training and Extension X Apitherapy XI Organic Honey Production and its importance