Stingless Bees boost crop yields in Nagaland, researchers unlock new path for sustainable agriculture

Kohima, Nagaland | May 26, 2025 In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers from Nagaland University have identified stingless bee species that significantly improve crop yield and quality through natural pollination, marking a transformative step in sustainable agriculture and beekeeping.

The study, led by Dr. Avinash Chauhan, Principal Investigator of the AICRP on Honeybees & Pollinators at the university’s Department of Entomology, has shown that two stingless bee species—Tetragonula iridipennis and Lepidotrigona arcifera—can dramatically enhance fruit set, seed viability, and overall crop productivity in several vegetable and fruit crops.

Significant Increase in Crop Yields
Under greenhouse and field conditions, crops like chilli, king chilli, cucumber, watermelon, and tomato recorded substantial improvements when pollinated by stingless bees. In king chilli, fruit set rose to 29.46%, compared to 21% in non-pollinated plants. Similarly, in Capsicum annuum (common chilli), fruit and seed quality improved by over 7%, while seed weight increased by more than 60%, indicating better germination potential.

“This is the first scientific validation of stingless bees as effective crop pollinators in India,” said Dr. Chauhan. “Our work shows not only how they increase yield but also produce high-quality, medicinal honey that supplements farmers’ income.”

Safe, Sustainable, and Profitable
Unlike traditional honeybees, stingless bees pose no threat of stings, making them ideal for pollination in greenhouses, homesteads, and urban gardens. In addition to enhancing pollination, their honey—renowned for its medicinal value—offered additional economic benefits during trials.

The project also developed scientific hive models and mass multiplication techniques using queen cells, enabling beekeepers in Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh to rear stingless bees more effectively than ever before.

Conservation of Wild Pollinators
The researchers stress the importance of conserving other pollinators such as Apis dorsata, A. florea, halictid bees, syrphid flies, and Amegilla species, all of which play vital roles in ecosystems and agriculture.

Next Steps in Research
Looking ahead, the team plans to study lesser-known but regionally vital crops like passion fruit, chow chow, and Solanum species, alongside developing advanced honey extraction techniques and conducting mellisopalynological analyses to scientifically establish the medicinal properties of stingless bee honey.

“This research supports farmers, improves yields, ensures food security, and opens doors for eco-friendly, profitable beekeeping,” Dr. Chauhan added.

The findings have been published in several reputed journals, including the International Journal of Farm Sciences, and are being used to promote scientific beekeeping and sustainable livelihoods across India.