Beekeeping (apiculture) in Sri Lanka presents a significant opportunity for farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities. With domestic honey production meeting only a fraction of national demand, the sector offers considerable room for growth. This guide provides verified information on starting beekeeping in Sri Lanka, covering market potential, technical requirements, training opportunities, and sustainable practices.
The State of Beekeeping in Sri Lanka
Production vs. Demand
Sri Lanka faces a substantial honey deficit. The country produces only approximately 50 metric tonnes of bee honey annually, far short of the national requirement of nearly 200 metric tonnes [9]. This production gap is met through honey imports from India, Australia, and China [9].
The beekeeping sector currently operates with an estimated 17,000 beekeepers across the country [9]. However, despite this significant number of practitioners, the sector has been unable to scale beyond limited output levels [9].
Growth Potential
Multiple government and international initiatives are actively working to expand the beekeeping sector. The Sri Lanka Agriculture Sector Modernization Project, supported by the World Bank, has included beekeeping as a key pilot initiative. A notable example is the procurement of 30 honey extractors for a beekeeping pilot project in the UVA Province, awarded to K.W Priyantha Kalupahana for LKR 408,000 in December 2020 [1].
The Department of Agriculture has identified the need to modernize and expand the country's fragmented beekeeping sector to address the deepening honey deficit [9].
Understanding Honey Bees in Sri Lanka
The Asian Honey Bee (Apis cerana)
The primary honey bee species used in Sri Lankan beekeeping is the Asian Honey Bee (Apis cerana). Research conducted across Sri Lanka's three major climatic zones (Wet Zone, Intermediate Zone, and Dry Zone) has examined farmer perceptions of Asian honey bee foraging behavior and pollination activity in relation to climate change [10].
This species is well-adapted to local conditions. However, climate change is increasingly disrupting bee behavior. Rising temperatures have been shown to disrupt bee activity and reduce crop yield for pollinator-dependent crops, particularly in the Dry Zone [10].
Pollination Services
Beyond honey production, bees provide critical pollination services. Pollinator decline affects approximately 35% of the world's crop production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [8]. In Sri Lanka, bees contribute to the yield of crops such as pumpkin, cucumber, and avocado [10].
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| Image by sumx, pixabay |
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Beekeeping
Step 1: Assess Your Suitability
Before investing in beekeeping, evaluate your personal circumstances. Research from the Matara District, involving 21 beekeepers, revealed the following profile of existing beekeepers [7]
- Age: 61.9% were above 50 years old
- Gender: 85.71% were male
- Education: 76.19% had passed Advanced Level (A/L) examinations
- Experience: Most farmers (57.14%) had 11-15 years of beekeeping experience
Notably, no farmers in this study were engaged in apiculture at the commercial level or as full-time employment, indicating that beekeeping remains primarily a supplementary income source [7].
Step 2: Acquire Knowledge and Training
Government Training Institutions
The Department of Agriculture is investing in training and capacity building through several institutions where bee gardens, workshops, and practical learning facilities are being established [9]:
- In-Service Training Institute (ISTI) Gannoruwa
- ISTI Angunukolapelessa
- School of Agriculture (SOA) Bibila
- SOA Anuradhapura
- SOA Labuduwa
- SOA Vavuniya
- Private and NGO Training Programs
Dilmah Conservation's 'Bee A Keeper' Project: Launched in May 2020, this project has trained 137 individuals and empowered 29 sustainable beekeepers as of 2025. The project operates from the Endane Field Research Station and the One Earth Climate Change Centre in Nawalapitiya, which serves as the primary research hub for bee-related research and education [8].
EMACE Foundation's BeeVeda Project: Supported by Australian Aid and the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka, the BeeVeda project has provided bee pots and Ayurvedic plants to over 50 women beneficiaries in the Kalutara District. The project focuses on empowering communities through traditional beekeeping knowledge and supporting women entrepreneurs [5].
Online Training Options
Online agriculture training courses are available in Sri Lanka, including beekeeping modules, with certification upon completion. These self-learning programs are offered at approximately LKR 3,000 [2].
Step 3: Obtain Essential Equipment
Hive Types
The Langstroth hive is the standard choice among Sri Lankan beekeepers. Research shows that 100% of beekeepers in the Matara study owned Langstroth hives, producing an average of 2.5 liters of honey from three fully functioning hives [7].
Basic Beekeeping Supplies
Essential equipment for starting beekeeping includes [3]:
- Beehive (Langstroth type recommended)
- Frames and foundation sheets
- Smoker (for calming bees during hive inspection)
- Bee suit and veil (protective gear)
- Gloves (preferably leather or nitrile)
- Hive tool (for separating frames)
- Bee brush (for gently moving bees)
- Queen excluder (to restrict queen to brood chamber)
- Hive feeder (for supplemental feeding)
Honey Extractors
Honey extraction equipment is available through government procurement channels and commercial suppliers. The Agriculture Sector Modernization Project demonstrated the feasibility of procuring honey extractors, with contract prices around LKR 408,000 for 30 units [1].
Step 4: Source Bees
Acquire bee colonies from reputable sources. The 'Bee A Keeper' project provides bee boxes as part of their training and empowerment program [8]. For indigenous communities in the Eastern Province, the project has provided training and tools to help preserve traditions while improving livelihoods sustainably [8].
Step 5: Select an Appropriate Location
Several factors influence apiary site selection:
Climate Zone Considerations: Sri Lanka has three major climatic zones. Research indicates regional disparities in climate-adaptive beekeeping practices, with the Dry Zone exhibiting limited modern practices and low awareness compared to other zones [10].
Environmental Factors: Avoid areas with;
- Heavy pesticide use
- Limited flowering plants (nectar sources)
- Extreme weather exposure
- Proximity to human activity that may cause disturbance
Habitat Considerations: Pesticide use, habitat loss from farming and urbanization, monocultures with limited flower diversity, and diseases all put extra pressure on bees and their survival [8].
Step 6: Practice Sustainable Beekeeping
Use of Bee Boxes
Sustainable beekeeping uses structured bee boxes that provide a non-invasive way to harvest honey. These boxes [8]
- Allow bees to build hives without threat of destruction
- Enable easy extraction of only mature honey, preserving the rest of the colony
- Encourage bee activity, supporting pollination in the area
- Help maintain strong and stable colonies, increasing honey yield over time
Avoid Destructive Harvesting
In many rural areas of Sri Lanka, honey is still collected by cutting open wild bee hives built inside tree trunks or crevices. This destructive process involves breaking open the hive, burning materials to smoke out bees, and taking all honey—sometimes including immature bees and larvae—leaving the hive damaged or destroyed [8]. Transitioning to box-based beekeeping eliminates this practice.
Step 7: Manage Health and Pests
Common challenges in Sri Lankan beekeeping include:
- Pests: Various pests affect bee colonies [7]
- Diseases: Regular monitoring required
- Weather extremes: Bad weather is a significant constraint [7]
- Pesticide exposure: Coordinate with neighboring farmers
Step 8: Harvest and Market Honey
Production Expectations
Average production from three fully functioning Langstroth hives is approximately 2.5 liters of honey [7]. Research indicates that all surveyed farmers expressed interest in expanding their apiaries due to demand for pure honey, with expected growth of approximately 2.5% within five years [7].
Market Opportunities
Sri Lanka's honey demand (200 metric tonnes annually) far exceeds domestic supply (50 metric tonnes), creating a seller's market for pure, locally produced honey [9]. Potential marketing channels include:
- Local markets and grocery stores
- Direct sales to consumers
- Supply to hotels and restaurants
- Processing into value-added products (e.g., comb honey, beeswax products)
Challenges in Sri Lankan Beekeeping
Key Constraints
- Research has identified the following factors affecting adoption of beekeeping in Sri Lanka [7]:
- Fear of bee stings (psychological barrier)
- Lack of awareness about beekeeping
- Inability to meet starting capital requirements
- Inadequate knowledge and skills
- Inadequate information about technology and value addition
- Lack of equipment availability
- Bad weather conditions
- Pests
- Lack of credit facilities
- Poor extension services
Factors Affecting Success
A multiple regression analysis identified that the adoption index (success level) is affected by [7]:
- Age of the farmer (years)
- Education level (primary, secondary, or tertiary)
- Experience in beekeeping (years)
- Size of the apiary (number of hives)
- Extension services (number of sources of information)
- Training received (Yes/No)
- Access to credit
Among these, age of the farmer, education level, experience in beekeeping, and extension services were statistically significant (P-value ≤ 0.05) [7].
Climate Change Impacts
Rising temperatures disrupt bee activity and reduce crop yield. An agent-based modeling study confirmed that during 2025-2034, climate change negatively affects bee foraging frequency and crop yield, particularly in the Dry Zone for pumpkin. However, moderate recovery is projected for 2035-2044 as temperatures stabilize [10].
Government and Development Support
Department of Agriculture Initiatives
The Department of Agriculture is actively investing in training and capacity building to strengthen the beekeeping sector [9]. The department's Director of Extension and Training has emphasized the need for urgent measures to modernize and expand the sector [9].
World Bank Support
The Sri Lanka Agriculture Sector Modernization Project has included beekeeping components, as demonstrated by honey extractor procurement for the UVA Province pilot project [1].
International Development Support
Australian Aid has supported beekeeping through the Direct Aid Program, enabling Sri Lankan women to enhance biodiversity and develop environmentally friendly small businesses through beekeeping and organic farming practices [5].
Recommendations for New Beekeepers
Based on verified research findings, the following actions are recommended to address constraints on adopting beekeeping [7]:
- Participate in awareness programs and training offered by government institutions and NGOs
- Start small and scale gradually – begin with 2-3 hives and expand as experience grows
- Strengthen product assortment through value addition (beeswax, propolis, etc.)
- Join beekeeper groups or cooperatives to improve market access and credit availability
- Seek extension services – access to information sources significantly improves adoption success [7]
- Secure access to credit before starting operation
- Use modern beekeeping technologies including Langstroth hives and proper extraction equipment
- Adopt climate-resilient practices as proposed by the DEEP BEE model (Decentralized, Empowered, Eco-smart, Participatory Beekeeping Empowerment), which emphasizes localized training, diversified floral resources, adaptive hive design, and digital extension services [10]
References
[1] World Bank. (2020). Sri Lanka Agriculture Sector Modernization Project - Procurement of 30 Nos. Honey Extractors for Bee-keeping Pilot Project in UVA Province. Contract Award No. LK-MOA-PMU-127009-GO-RFQ.
[2] FindUs Sri Lanka. (2026). Online Agriculture Training with Certificate - Beekeeping Course.
[3] Ubuy Sri Lanka. (2026). Beekeeping Supplies for Sale Online - Product Category Information.
[4] 6Wresearch. (2025). Sri Lanka Urban Farming Market (2025-2031) - Urban Beekeeping Segment.
[5] EMACE Foundation of Sri Lanka. (2024). BeeVeda Project Inauguration - Australian Aid Support for Women Beekeepers.
[6] Laimoon. (2026). Agriculture Course Fees in Sri Lanka - Beekeeping Advanced Diploma.
[7] Wickramaachchi, W.W.U.I., Senevirathne, P.A.N.R., Hemali, D.K.T., & Mannakkara, A. (2020). Factors Affecting the Adoption of Beekeeping and Associated Technologies in Matara District, Sri Lanka. Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.
[8] Dilmah Family. (2025). 5 Years into Beekeeping - Dilmah Conservation 'Bee A Keeper' Project.
[9] Kumarasiri, C. (2026, May 26). Sri Lanka's honey industry stung by bitter shortfalls. Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
[10] Weerasinghe Arachchige, R.N. (2025). An integrated assessment of climate change impacts on Asian honey bee behavior, crop yield contribution, and farmer livelihoods with a focus on beekeeping for agricultural sustainability. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Dept. of Plant Protection Biology.
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