Branding will benefit bee farmers: Devdutta Sharma
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 11 2024:
Horticulture and Soil Conservation additional director K Devdutta Sharma has said that farmers can increase their income through proper processing and branding of honey and its products, while maintaining the quality level set by Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
He made the statement during the closing function of a week-long state level training programme on beekeeping organised by Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation under Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission, at the conference hall of the Directorate, Sanjenthong, here, on Thursday.
The valedictory function was attended by Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department director Honey Chara, and MIHD and MBHM mission director Md Zakir Hussain.
As part of the function, certificates of participation were distributed to around 25 apiarists from various parts of the state, who participated in the training programme.
Addl director K Devdutta continued that bees are closest to farmers among the many other living beings.
However, many beneficial insects which were once prominent in paddy fields can no longer be seen due to changes.in agricultural practices.
He then said that an apiary is not difficult to maintain and the honey produced by the bees can be processed into a variety of products such as royal jelly, beeswax, etc.
While rearing bees is a highly profitable occupation, there is also the need to carry out proper processing, branding and quality maintenance as per the guidelines of FSSAI, to ensure marketability.
A litre of hotley can be sold at Rs 700-800, which can be raised to Rs 3000-4000, provided the quality is enhanced.
This would be beneficial to farmers, not only with regard to the benefits brought by the apiary, but also in increasing the yield of the crops nearby, he conveyed.