Jenis-Jenis Pakan Lebah di Desa Ronggur Nihuta, Kecamatan Ronggur Nihuta, Kabupaten Samosir

Abstract

Honey is one of the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that holds high economic, ecological, and social value, where its production success is strongly influenced by the availability of forage resources in the form of nectar and pollen from flowering plants. This study aims to identify the types of plants producing nectar and pollen as honey bee forage and to develop a flowering calendar in Ronggur Nihuta Village, Ronggur Nihuta District, Samosir Regency. The research methods employed were field observations within a 900-meter radius from the beekeeping site, interviews with landowners, and literature review to strengthen the data. The results revealed 33 plant species with potential as honey bee forage, consisting of 16 tree species, 8 shrub species, 8 herbaceous species, and 1 parasitic species. Based on the flowering calendar, 19 species were found to bloom throughout the year, 9 species bloom seasonally, and 5 species bloom irregularly. The diversity of species and variation in flowering periods ensure a continuous supply of honey bee forage throughout the year, thereby supporting the sustainability of beekeeping in the study area. In addition to providing economic benefits through honey and other bee products, the presence of honey bees also contributes to ecological services by enhancing pollination of agricultural and forestry plants. Thus, the findings of this study can serve as a scientific basis for the development of community-based beekeeping, the strengthening of social forestry, and the sustainable management of non-timber forest products.