Beekeeping industry buzzing in Beijing

Apiculture, the management and study of bees, is playing a more significant role in Beijing's agricultural and ecological development, with industry exports reaching more than $11 million in 2012.

Gross value of the industry in the Chinese capital was 190 million yuan ($31 million) in 2012, with annual honey production of 7.5 million kg, 130,000 kg of royal jelly and 49,000 kg of bee pollen, according to Beijing Apiculture Co, which integrates beekeeping, healthcare research and exports in the city.

Beijing has 79 professional bee cooperative societies and 56 apiculture industrial bases, which have greatly boosted development of the industry.