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DEVELOPMENT OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR

THE INDIAN BEEKEEPER

Sangita Saini* & Shrankhala Maheshwari** Home Science Department, Arts Faculty,

Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra - 5

Under the aegis of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industralization, Wardha: A collaborative Project of

KVIC - IIT, Delhi

* Senior Lecturer ** Research Scholar

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DEVELOPMENT OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR THE

INDIAN BEEKEEPERS

PRESENT STATUS OF BEEKEEPER’S CLOTHING

In the developed countries beekeeper’s clothing and accessories are available in variety of

fabrics and garment styles to meet the diverse requirement and circumstances related to handling

bees. In India however, due to lack of availability of protective clothing beekeepers are suffering

from bee’s sting physically as well as psychologically.

The present dress worn by beekeepers

No. of Respondents N=100 S.

No.

Responses

Using (%) Not using (%)

1. Clothes used Special clothes Pant – Shirt (conventional) Kurta- Pajama (conventional)

0% 60% 40%

100% 40% 60%

2. Gloves Rubber Gloves Leather Gloves Cloth Gloves

25% 2% 2%

75% 8% 98%

3. Beeveil 90% 10%

4. Shoes Special shoes and socks Canvas shoes and nylon socks High Boot

0% 80% 1%

100% 20% 99%

The survey revealed that presently beekeepers are using mainly their personal conventional

clothes like the conventional pant shirt and kurta pajama, simple shoes and socks and a beeveil in

their profession. They have no special dress fulfilling their professional needs.

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Photograph of the dress presently adopted by the beekeeper

The short comings identified in the present used clothing were -

(i) The fabric of presently used beeveil was very thin considering bee’s sting and does not

provide adequate protection.

(ii) Beeveil was not fitted properly at the forehead and the distance between face and net was

not appropriate.

(iii) Also in the conventional dress, according to beekeeper’s experience, a bee can easily enter

her sting in the fabric.

(iv) The dress has gaps at waist and invites entering of the bees.

(v) A bee can enter easily in simple button placket at front and cuffs because of space

between buttons. Thus fasteners were not appropriate at plackets.

(vi) The rubber gloves were not being used on a regular basis because rubber gloves are

uncomfortable due to its non-porous quality especially in hot and humid climate.

(vii) The fitting at the upper ends of rubber gloves was loose and open.

(viii) The lower part (ankle point) in the trouser was not tight.

(ix) Feet were exposed.

(x) Dark nylon socks were not appropriate because they provoke bees to sting.

Beeunters also wear the conventional pant and shirt. Few beehunters are using wire’s

beeveil for their face, which covers only nose and mouth part. They have made it themselves for

protecting their face. However, due to some shortcomings the risk of bee’s entry is more in such

beeveil.

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Shortcomings of the beeveil were-

• The veil was very hard due to the wire net and the sharp edges of wires were not finished

properly.

• Remaining parts of face except the nose and mouth were exposed.

• The gap between face and net was not maintained; hence the risk of bee’s entry was more.

NEED OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR THE BEEKEEPERS

For providing protection against bees’ stings from head to toe.

For providing protection in different climatic conditions.

To reduce the risk of allergy in family members through contaminated clothing.

To minimize the loss of bees.

For providing professional identity to the beekeepers.

For minimizing the physical harm and feeling of insecurity amongst the beekeepers.

For boosting the confidence to new upcoming beekeeper.

To ensure the smooth working with several beehives and to get higher efficiency.

SELECTION OF APPROPRIATE FABRICS AND ACCESSORIES-

a) Selection of fabrics- Some fabric has been selected keeping in mind the various needs of

beekeepers. Special care has been taken for qualities like the colour, blend composition,

durability, thickness, absorbency and cost of fabrics. The swatches of selected samples with their

procuring places are given below

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b) Selection of nets for beeveils-

For bee veil appropriate selection of net was very important. Five types of nets were used for

beeveils. Each net was used keeping in mind different qualities. While selecting net some points

were given special consideration like colour of net in all cases was black only. Durability of net

was important since it was to be stitched. The size and shape of mesh, crease resistance, texture

and weight of net had to be according to profession’s demand. The swatches of nets with

procuring places are given below.

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c) Selection of rings for beeveils- For beeveil rust proof, easily welded, light weight and

appropriate sized wires have been selected. The measurements desired were 41inches in length

and 0.75 mm diameter. Round aluminum wire was selected for beeveil. For hood (design no.3)

the tips of wires were reinforced by beads of metal through welding to avoid the sharp edges

because due to sharp edge of wires cloth and net would tear off.

Procuring place- Kasganj Iron Store, Bilram Gate, Kasganj, Etah, U.P.

d) Selection of accessories- For attaching beeveil with the dress only 30 inches long separate zips

were found which were not sufficient along length. So for attaching bee veil long zips, which

were used in bags, were selected. Due to this reason the beeveil or hood could not be separated

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which remains a shortcoming till date. For the dresses long separate zips were used according to

sizes. Velcro tapes, strings with knobs, bukram, foam, eyelets for string and elastics of different

sizes were also selected.

Procuring places-

Malhotra Zip, Shop-86, Swadeshi Bajar, Delhi- 110006

Malik zippers, 308-A, Main Sadar Bajar, Delhi- 110006, Phone- 011-23091684

Kanishka Overseas, 1628, Gali No. 11, Sadar Bajar, Delhi- 110006

Prem Thread House, 5608, Main Sadar Bajar, Delhi- 110006, Phone- 9810080671

SKETCHES OF DESIGNS AND FABRICATION FOR THE BEEKEEPER’S

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

After analyzing the shortcomings in the presently worn dress and identification of beekeeper’s

protective clothing needs, new designs were sketched Keeping in mind all the needs of the

beekeeper, expert’s suggestions and recommendations a few dresses, beeveils, gloves and

accessories like sweat band, wristbands, foot flaps and ankle protectors were designed. The

sketches alongwith pictures are given ahead.

The dresses and accessories were fabricated with the available sketched designs. The dresses

were made in three sizes – small, medium, large. The measurements required for dresses and

accessories are given below.

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Anthropometric measurements of three sizes adopted while fabricating the designs

S.no. Small Medium Large Height 5’5” 5’7” 5’9” Upper Garment 1. Chest Circumference 36” 40” 44” 2. Round wrists 7.5” 8” 8.5” 3. Round waist 30” 34” 38” 4. Shirt length 27” 29” 31” 5. Round neck 15” 15.5” 16” 6. Across shoulder 16.75” 17.25” 17.75” 7. Sleeve length 22” 24” 26” 8. Shoulder to waist

18.5” 19.5” 20.5”

Lower Garment 1. Round hip 38” 42” 46” 2. Crotch depth 10.5” 12.5” 14.5” 3. Pant length (waist – heel) 40” 42” 44” 4. Waist to knee 18” 19” 20” 5. Pauncha 17.5” 18” 18.5”

Measurements of Accessories for Medium Height

Gloves Beeveil Foot Accessories

Round wrist 8” Round forehead 22” Round calf 11” Round forearm 9” Head – chin 7.5” Round Ankle 9.5” Wrist – forearm 8” Round neck 15.5” Calf – heel 8” Index finger - wrist 7” Ear to ear 13” Calf – ankle 6” Middle finger - wrist 7.5” Heel – big toe 9.5” Little finger - wrist 5.5” Foot Width 5.5” Length of thumb 3.25” Palm length 4” Palm width 4” The measurements for accessories have been adopted for medium size because of the flexible

quality of accessories. It was felt that the medium size accessories could easily be worn by all

beekeepers irrespective of small, medium and large sizes.

Dresses and accessories were stitched using appropriate sewing techniques. Counter seam, run

and fell seam, plain seam, top stitched seam were used to provide adequate protection at stress

points. For edge finishing over locked finishing was used. To maintain the quality of stitching the

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dresses and accessories were stitched by stitching experts (professional tailors). The stitching cost

of different designs are-

Table giving the stitching cost of different clothing and accessories

Catalogue No. Stitching cost for all sizes Catalogue No. Stitching cost for all sizes

Dress- S-D-101 S-D-102 S-D-103 S-D-104 S-D-105 S-D-106

200/- Rs. 120/- Rs. 100/- Rs. 70/-Rs.(Repairing Charges) 175/- Rs. 125/- Rs.

Gloves- S-G-402 S-G-403 S-G-404 S-G-406 S-G-407 S-G-408

25/- Rs.Pair 25/- Rs. Pair 35/- Rs. Pair 35/- Rs. Pair 40/- Rs. Pair 30/- Rs. Pair

Beeveil- S-B-201 S-B-202 S-B-203 S-B-204 S-B-205

30/- Rs. 15/- Rs. 20/- Rs. 20/- Rs. 20/- Rs.

Accessories- Sweat Band Wrist Band Ankle Protectors Foot Flaps

4/- Rs. 2/- Rs.Pair 15/- Rs. Pair 15/- Rs.Pair

DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION –

Unless the information of availability and advantage of such dresses does not reach the target

group the whole work will be incomplete. Hence, to bring an impact on the industry, it is

necessary that the fabricated clothing and their designs reach the beekeepers. Therefore, for the

dissemination of the information certain steps were taken.

i) Experimental trials and exhibitions- Experimental trials of fabricated clothing and accessories

were conducted on beekeepers. After each trial the necessary modification in the designs were

done and the changes were incorporated in the fabrication. Exhibitions for small group of

beekeepers were done along with beekeeping-oriented programs at Mathura, Bharatpur and

Hathras

ii) Preparation of Folder- During trials of the designs it was realized that the trials of dresses

could not be conducted with each beekeeper. It was also necessary to generate awareness among

beekeepers for such protective clothing. Hence, a folder was prepared (plate I), which consisted

of the two major designs of beekeepers clothing with accessories. Designs no. 2.3 and 2.5 were

included in the folder. Folder was prepared and printed in Hindi for beekeepers. During

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experimental trials and exhibition the folder was distributed to beekeepers. Thereafter many

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beekeepers contacted and have put up demand to acquire these protective clothing. Dresses were

prepared and sent to a few of such beekeepers.

iii) Preparation of Catalogue – While distributing folder, some beekeepers and the beekeeping societies were asking for the detail of other dresses and accessories too. Keeping this requirement in mind, a coloured catalogue (plate II) was planned having detailed information of beekeeper’s clothing and accessories. The purpose of the catalogue was to give code numbers for the designs for easy identification and for procuring orders from a beekeeper. The catalogue is mainly designed for trainers, leading beekeeping organizations and for beekeeping experts. The catalogue will help the management and administrative staffs of training centers, breeders, academicians to suggest and inform the upcoming beekeepers to use such dresses for their safety and protection. The catalogue has included detail information of beekeepers clothing and accessories, which have been fabricated till now. After making catalogue it is being sent to different beekeeping organizations, beekeeping training centers, beekeeping societies and experts.

ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE RESEARCH- The success of the research will depend on adoption and acceptability of the dress by the Indian beekeepers. This will not only involve proper and complete dissemination of information but also will include production of the design as per the requirement. For production, adequate demand and trained personal as well as a proper planning is desired.

In this study all stitching was carried with the help of a commercial tailor and a small group (four in number) of women. This group was placed at Purdilnagar (Hathras). These women were trained for stitching of the protective clothing, to provide sufficient number of dresses to the beekeeping industry. Training was desired since the dresses were different from the conventional dress. The prepared dresses were marketed through a small outlet located at Bharatpur. The dress and accessories, which reached the target group, are given below.

Details of dresses and accessories reaching the beekeepers and bee hunters.

Catalogue No. No. of Items sold Catalogue No. No. of Items sold

Dress- S-D-101 S-D-102 S-D-104 S-D-106

5 6 4 7

Gloves- S-G-401 S-G-402 S-G-403 S-G-406 S-G-407 S-G-408

10 1 2 2 2 1

Total 22 Total 18 Beeveil-

S-B-201 S-B-202 S-B-205

3 8

120

Accessories- S-S-301 S-R-501 S-R-504

20 2 2

Total 131 Total 24

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Production per day- If the above group of women and tailor (total five in number) stitch the

beekeeper’s clothing for six hours a day, it is estimated that that they can stitch about two dress,

two pair of gloves, two pair of foot accessories, two pair of wrist band, two sweat band and eight

separate beeveils per day.

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Earning per day- With the paid rates (given above) it can be estimated that the group of these

five persons (a tailor and four women) can earn a total stitching charge of about Rs.570/-. Thus,

each member can earn about Rs. 114/- per day.

Thus as a part of the project not only the women are getting employment but also the beekeepers

are getting adequate protection from environment and bee’s sting.

EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL

According to KVIC Annual Report, in 1953-54 the numbers of beekeepers were 232 only, while

in 1999-00 the increased numbers of beekeepers were 2,29,000 which might have risen in this

decade. It can be assumed that if each beekeeper will purchase a full set for himself, then above

two lakhs dresses will be required by the beekeeping industry.

For stitching such dresses, trained manpower will be need. Thus the activity of stitching such

protective dresses can produce employment to 1000 trained persons. In a year such a group of

trained manpower can produce about 1,50,000 dresses and accessories for the beekeeping

industry.

It is assumed that the average life of a dress will be one and a half year, if a beekeeper will use the

dress on regular basis. Thus, a beekeeper will repeat the demand after about a year or so. Within a

year above 1000 people can get indirect employment from this beekeeping industry, which

presently employs a huge rural and tribal population. Introduction of such a dress can bring a

remarkable increase in the productivity of honey and other bee products, which can give an

impetus to the export earning of the country.

SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL VIABILITY-

Some suggestions are thus recommended for bringing commercial sustainability in this project.

• For the commercial viability of this study it is necessary that some amount of money is

invested.

• More people are trained for stitching to fulfill production needs.

• During fabrication it is essential that the appropriate fabric should be available always

with the manufacturers. For making dresses the raw materials and dress accessories

should be stored.

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• For deriving orders, the extension activity regarding need of beekeeper’s clothing should

be continued.

• From ordering to supplying goods, time frame should be followed so that at the right

time customer’s dresses should be supplied. The manufacturer should stick to the time

frame for survival.

• During fabrication of dress and accessories, fabric and stitching quality should be

controlled.

• As per the beekeeper recommendations, if the designs desire, they should be modified, it

will help in acceptability of the dresses.

• A person should be involved and fully associated with the making of protective clothing.

• Continuity between orders and supply should be maintained.

• The appropriate cost for dresses and accessories with profit should be decided keeping in

mind all the above things.

Developed designs of beekeepers’ clothing

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All - In - One Bee Suit

Catalogue no.- S-D-104

Production Cost- 250/-

Zippered Veil Suit combination has all the features, which our beekeepers wanted for total protection and

comfor t for the full day’s work in the beeyard.

Combat materia l of All - In - One Bee Suit will keep you tension free against dirt.

Full length zipper at front.

Semi detachable bee veil.

Extra rein forcement at stretch poin t.

Tight bee s afe seals at wrists and ankles.

Large pockets in t rousers and easyassess to trouser pockets.

Loops for tools.

Avai lable in small, medium and large.

Salient Features of the dress-

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Design No.2.5

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