Study on spatial suitability and economic evaluation of beekeeping in Arasbaran region and beekeepers problems

Arasbaran region have high potential in beekeeping because of climatic conditions, high access to water, and high flora diversity. The purpose of this research was to examine the income and problems of rural beekeepers in the path of development.The research data were collected using field observations and semi-structured questionnaire from beekeepers of Arasbaran region. At this study, we will examined the type of species used by honeybee in terms of beekeepers, the process of selling products, the role of beekeeping in household income, the main problems of beekeepers, and the development strategies of this industry. Suitability of beekeeping sites was considered based on four criteria. Some of species were used for honey and propolis production such as Thymus kotschyanus, Verbascum gossypinum, Cirsium arvense, Astragalus spp, Salix babilonica, Populus nigra, and Paliurus spina chiristi. Some of species such as Tulipa schrenkii was fed for pollen production. Results showed that this region in terms of water sources (86%), vegetation cover (63%), distance from road (33%), beekeeping activity period (24%) had high suitability for beekeeping. The average number of beehives per beekeeper was 318. Mean honey production was 19.6 kg per beehives in the Arasbaran region. Honey price varied from 110 to 600 thousand rials based on its quality. Average gross income of beekeepers was estimated about 835 million rials. The main problems of beekeepers were the presence of fake drugs in market (52%) and the lack of access for appropriate drugs for the treatment of diseases.