author(s)
Rajesh Kumar and Nisha Kundal

abstract
Beekeeping is a rural cottage industry having its connections with agriculture & horticulture. Due to the commercial importance of products obtained from beekeeping, it can contribute in the economy of state/nation but it requires a lot of improvement in beekeeping as well as in agricultural practices. Most of the beekeepers are facing problems due to lack of knowledge of bee management technology and related skills. This small cottage industry is still underdeveloped in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Crop diversification which can provide continuous succession of blooming bee forage, awareness related to varroa mite and other bee diseases, guidance & consultancy to farmers/beekeepers by regional bee research and training centre is urgently required.