February 25 ,2022
New Delhi BEEKEEPING-HONEY for increasing Crop Productivity, Improving Immunity and Enhancing Income PHDCCI, organized a webinar on “Beekeeping-Honey: for increasing crop productivity, improving immunity and enhancing income” on 23rd February, 2022 under the webinar series “Strategies for Doubling Farmers’ Income – Marching towards an Income Revolution of Farmers”. The Chief Guest of the webinar Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi Additional Secretary Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, GOI, appreciated PHDCCI for organising a webinar on one of the most priority subjects of the government, which is not only important for growth of the Horticulture Sector in India but also one which has gauged our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s attention. He added, that the Government of India has initiated a lot of programmes which are innovative in nature and technology driven, some of which are direct benefit transfer to farmers, input subsidies through various schemes and minimum support price to farmers, among others. He shared that India’s horticulture production has surpassed that of the agriculture sector production in the last few years. But mentioned that post-harvest management, cold chain storage facilities, warehousing facilities are challenging areas and the government is working towards strengthening these to ensure a strong logistics for the agriculture and horticulture sector. He stated that announcement of a package of 500 crores by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, shows the importance the government lays to beekeeping, which is of utmost importance to farmers. The government has a clear road map laid out for the growth of the beekeeping sector. Mr. Pradeep Multani, President, PHDCCI, while deliberating the Presidential address mentioned that the target of Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022 has brought a major change in the focus of agricultural sector from the traditional production orientation to income orientation and created renewed interest among the agricultural research community, policy makers, state authorities, extension agencies, private players, industry professionals, the farming community, youths, students, and all major stakeholders in the country. Beekeeping has been useful in pollination of crops, thereby, increasing income of the farmers/beekeepers by way of increasing crop yield and providing honey and other high value beehive products. The diversified agro climatic conditions of India offer tremendous potential and opportunities for beekeeping/ honey production and export. Shri Ajay Beri, Chair – Food Processing Committee, PHDCCI, while welcoming the esteemed speakers said that Indian Agriculture needs a paradigm shift from the traditional agriculture system to diversified, secondary, specialty agriculture, well supported by smart policies, strengthened institutions with enabling environment for both public and private sector investment and performance. Only then the agriculture sector would be able to ensure household nutritional security and improve the livelihood of millions of smallholder farmers in the country. Beekeeping is a low investment and skill-based Industry having the potential to offer direct employment. The sustainability of this industry is therefore vital to the country’s economic wellbeing and development, added Mr Beri. Dr. HP Singh, Chairman, Confederation of Horticulture Associations of India (CHAI) Former DDG (Hort.) ICAR; Vice Chancellor – RAU, Bihar Horticulture Commissioner, GOI, discussed about the strategic approaches for improving productivity through Beekeeping and shared his rich experience in systematic research on how honey production and its quality can be improved by providing an appropriate climatic conditions. He also mentioned some important varieties of bees for honey production. Honey bees domestication and pollination service are the key areas for enhancing the quality of honey and also a box of honey bees kept in the farm can yield great results in the horticulture farming which can provide additional income to the farmers. Adoption of honey bees boxes in the farm can double the horticulture crops yield he said. Dr. Naveen Kumar Patle, Executive Director, National Bee Board & Additional Commissioner (Hort.) DAC&FW, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, GoI, elaborated on Role of National Beekeeping Honey Mission and other GoI programmes for promoting Beekeeping. He addressed some of the questions that how honey will increase immunity and how hurdles in the production can be improved. A holistic approach is required for proper implementation of the schemes and programs in bee keeping. He recommended some practices to protect bees from disease which can further decrease the adulteration in honey. Boxes , colonies, improved technologies , testing labs and other equipments shall be promotes at grassroots level will be enablers to increase productivity of bee honey. Processing units to be set up for completing task of packaging, storage , marketing, branding and processing will help in building a whole network. Dr. Balraj Singh, Project Coordinator AICRP on Honey Bees & Pollinators, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), GoI, provided deep insight of Research & Development in Beekeeping and its Importance and also the role of bees pollination for the benefit of horticulture. Some of the key benefits highlighted are stimulation of pollen on stigma of flower, more aromatic fruits, reduce fruit drop, increase oil content and vitality in seeds of plants. India is blessed with some of indigenous diversity of bees which benefits the progressive bee keepers in the country. He also focused on bee management for providing benefits to both micro and small bee keepers. He encouraged youth farmers and industrialist to provide their support in the sector for promoting economic growth. Dr. Y.K. Baramatikar, Joint Cheif Executive Officer, Khadi Village Industries, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ,GOI,discussed about the Role of KVIC in promoting Beekeeping –Honey and emphasised that best beekeeping practices should be encouraged in the country. Spreading awareness and sharing information about practices among the people should be promoted. He said that proper framework is required to promote and connect farmers with the bee keeping programmes to spread awareness and quality parameters of beekeeping honey production. He supported the skill development activities for farmers in the respective areas. He emphasized on the linkages with the likeminded people and organizations. Prakash Kejriwal Director Kejriwal Group, New Delhi, highlighted in Issues and challenges in marketing & export of Honey and Beehive products and provided with the facts that India has become among the top 7exporters in the world. The largest import of Indian honey is USA but this will not be sufficient, we should also focus on how to spread Indian honey periphery to other countries like south East Asian countries for increasing exports. Bee wax, royal jelly and other raw products have high demand in South East Asian countries which are high potential areas but require infrastructure and training to tap the potential. Alignment of training for beekeepers to compete in dynamic market is a need of an hour he emphasized. Mr Tilak Trewaynee, Head Honey Division Dabur India Ltd, discussed about the Issues and challenges in quality production of Honey and elaborated on how an enhanced domestic consumption can be a drive in making market stable. He highlighted economic issues of Indian honey which should be addressed to increase the production and its quality. A significant value can be achieved if worked upon these areas. Adopting of right practices in harvesting will provide significant difference in the quality and honey production. Post-harvest facilities will be helpful to beekeepers in terms of storage and management of the products. Some of the resolutions provided are to create skilled manpower, developed infrastructure, elimination of adulteration, promotion and development of beekeeping at urban level can prove fruitful in elevating the honey quality and its production he added. Dr Rajiv Chawla, Senior Scientist National Dairy Development Board, Gujarat, highlighted the Importance of testing honey quality and discussed the impacts of honey quality and its product which will further help in generating consumer’s trust on the product. Regulatory compliance should be fulfilled to bring product in the market. Genuineness of product is the key element of the honey products which attracts its consumers. With the help of testing authenticity of the products can be checked so that only genuine product should find its way in the market he said. The Webinar was supported by PHDCCI’s Annual Sponsors – Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Star Wire; PG Industry; Uflex Ltd; DLF Ltd; Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd; Belair Travel & Cargo Pvt Ltd; Radico Khaitan Ltd; Jindal Steel & Power; MMG Group; Paramount Communications; Superior Industries Limited; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; SMC Investments and Advisors Ltd; Crystal Crop Protection Ltd; Sagar Group of Industries; Samsung India Electronics; Comtech Interio; R E Rogers; AYUSH Herbs Private Ltd; Apeejay Stya Group; DCM Shriram; EaseMyTrip; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; Oswal Greentech; Trident Group; MV Cotspin Ltd; Synergy Environics Ltd; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; P S BEDI & Co.; Indian Farmer &Fertilizers Corporation Ltd; Jindal Steel; Hindware Sanitary; Modern Automobiles; Livit Ltd; Axa Parenterals; Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries; J K Insurance Brokers Ltd; DD Pharmaceutical Ltd. *END* Warm Regards, Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry