Beekeeping promotion
Apiculture is taking roots on the ground level in Jammu and Kashmir and the government has sanctioned a new project for its promotion.
To increase their earnings manifold, new-age agri-preneurs are adding value addition to honey by making products such as soaps, candles, cosmetics, Ayurvedic medicines, etcetera which are in high demand in the Indian market. As a result, consumers have been switching to non-toxic, organic products, free from health hazards, presenting a big opportunity for the youth to start a profitable venture in the sector.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has launched a Rs 46.65 crore ‘Promotion of Beekeeping’ project to increase the annual honey production to 66100 quintal in the UT.
According to an official spokesperson, the population of bees will be enhanced by 333 percent under the `Promotion of beekeeping’ project which will give a big push to honey production in the region.
The current system of rearing is less productive with no mechanism for quality improvement. So, strengthening and distribution of bee colonies through clusters, Self Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organizations are being focused upon. Besides, 1,43,000 new bee colonies will be set up which will bring the honey production to 66100 quintal.
The official added that advanced two apitherapy centers and GI labs will be established to increase the production of high quality honey. Besides, monitoring and traceability will be done through GI labs and 20 Custom Hiring centers (CHCs) will also be established for extending pollination facilities.
