Bees are pollinators known for the crucial role they play in the world’s economy through our food supply and primarily honey production. According to a report, globally, 87 of the leading 115 food crops evaluated are dependent on animal pollinators including bees, contributing 35% of global food production, but the past few decades have witnessed a steep fall in several bee colonies. Also, a global decline and a risk of extinction in certain bee populations have been detected due to increased use of pesticides, habitat destruction, and pollution in the environment.
Apart from sweet golden honey and pollination services, bees provide various by-products that have enormous benefits. Currently, as countries across the globe are battling with the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the threat of antibiotic-resistant infections and drug over-use has been witnessed across the world. Honeybee products including wholesale honey are the need of the hour, due to their numerous benefits as natural, multipurpose healing products. Other bee products include bee pollen, beeswax, beebread, royal jelly, and propolis. We must realize the importance of the bees and ensure that we consume bee products in a way that ensures the sustainability of the bee population.