Petro Prokopovych: The Trailblazer of Commercial Beekeeping and Hive Innovation

The invention of the beehive frames and dismountable beehives by Prokopovych was a huge step forward paving the way for the development of the basic framework of modern beekeeping.

The methods of beekeeper Prokopovych created the world’s largest apiary at the time – the apiary numbered 10 000 bee families.

Prestige and glory of beekeeper  Prokopovych were huge and he made a decision to share the experience with others by creating the world’s first School of BeeKeeping.

In 1828 beekeeper Prokopovych created in Mitchenky village School of Beekeeping with the assistance of Moscow Society of Agriculture. Two years later the school was transferred to the neighboring Palchiky village and existed 53 years.

In the school annually studied the beekeeping around 60-80 students from Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Germany and Poland. During its existence School of Beekeeping operated by beekeeper Prokopovych released hundreds of beekeepers. In the school students got the best knowledge and practices of beekeeping.

Beekeeper Prokopovych considered beekeeping as most profitable sector of the economy and proved it by his daily work – became quite rich person.

In 1975 in Baturin was created Monument to Beekeeper Petro Prokopovych that is possible to find near Kochubey House.