Enterprise development and market dynamics of bee farming: evidence from patgaon village, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Bee farming has evolved from a traditional subsistence activity into a promising rural enterprise with significant commercial potential. Rural enterprise development has been recognized as a crucial strategy for employment generation, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth in India. This study examines enterprise development and market dynamics of bee farming in Patgaon village, Maharashtra. Using primary data collected from 100 beekeepers, the study analyzes enterprise orientation, scale of operations, investment patterns, production capacity, addition, marketing channels, price realization, institutional support, and future business prospects. The findings reveal that while beekeeping in Patgaon village is increasingly commercialized, enterprise development is constrained by infrastructural gaps, limited access to finance, inadequate value addition facilities, market uncertainties, and institutional weaknesses. Despite these constraints, strong market demand, favorable price realization, and high willingness to expand indicate robust growth potential. The study concludes that strengthening enterprise support systems, market linkages, and institutional mechanisms is essential for transforming beekeeping into a sustainable rural enterprise.