Is bee keeping near my orchard worth it just for better fruit set, beyond honey income?

Yes, bees improve pollination of many fruit and vegetable crops, and better pollination usually means improved fruit set, more uniform fruit and often higher yield, so keeping bees near an orchard gives a benefit beyond the honey itself. For crops that depend on insect pollination, having strong bee colonies nearby during flowering can noticeably lift fruit set compared with poor natural pollinator numbers. You also earn from honey and other hive products. The main cautions are to avoid spraying insecticides during flowering when bees are active, since that kills them, and to manage colonies properly for pests like mites. Start with a few boxes, learn management or get training, and place hives near the orchard before flowering. Your state horticulture department or the honey mission may offer support and training.