The sweet revolution that started three years ago in the country is heading towards success. India is the eighth largest exporter of honey, producing over one lakh tonnes of honey per annum. The annual production of honey is expected to increase from 35,000 tonnes per annum to 1 lakh tonnes in 2020. It has grown by 200 per cent in ten years.
According to the Central Khadi and Village Industries Commission, the country has a monopoly on the honey market in seven countries. Indian honey is popular in Germany, USA, UK, Japan, France, Italy and Spain. China is currently the largest exporter of honey. However, Indian honey, which is at the forefront of quality, is gaining popularity in the global market.
The distribution of 1.35 lakh new honey boxes to farmers has led to an increase in production. 16,000 new farmers came into the field. As pollination by bees increased, so did the yield. Interest in agriculture increased with the formation of a cluster of beekeepers and the provision of benefits. Up to Rs 5 crore has been allocated for a cluster of 500 farmers. An amount of `63 crore has been set apart for the year 2020-21 to promote beekeeping.
Attempts were also made to bring other entrepreneurs, other farmers, unemployed youth, housewives and migrant workers into beekeeping. The project is in collaboration with NABARD, Nehru Yuva Kendra, SC and ST Departments, Local Bodies, State Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture.
Content Highlights: A sweet success story; India’s honey production grows by 200%
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