Beekeepers receive Insights to Boost Income from Bee Products

The Confederation of Apiculture Industry (CAI) recently held a seminar at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, focused on the current state and future prospects of the apiculture sector in India. The event brought together key stakeholders, experts, and industry leaders from various states, aiming to address industry challenges, explore growth opportunities, and promote sustainable beekeeping practices. Over 100 participants attended, including representatives from government agencies, research institutions, and apiculture businesses.

Dr. SK Chauhan, Director of Research, inaugurated the seminar, highlighting the importance of promoting apiculture for enhancing livelihoods and agricultural productivity. He praised beekeeping as a means of diversification and encouraged farmers to experiment with and develop various bee products. He also commended the CAI for fostering collaboration among beekeepers, academic institutions, government agencies, and universities.

Former professor and apiculture expert Dr. Harish Kumar Sharma stressed the need for improved infrastructure, operational support and government backing to advance the apiculture sector. He underscored the critical role of bees in pollination services and employment generation. Devvrat Sharma, President of CAI, discussed the organization's goals and operations. He shared that his company currently produces around 50 value-added products from hive sources and expressed confidence that the product range could be expanded with the support of members. Sharma also promised marketing assistance to local beekeepers for the high-quality honey produced in Himachal Pradesh and advocated for geo-tagging Himachal Pradesh honey to enhance its value and increase beekeeper incomes.

The seminar featured two technical sessions covering various topics, including bee diseases, honeybee management, hive products, and marketing challenges which were led by experts from the university, the State Horticulture Department, and CAI officials.

Subhash Kambhoj, a progressive beekeeper and Vice President of CAI, shared his journey as a successful beekeeping entrepreneur, who has also found mention twice by the Prime Minister of India in Maan Ki Baat programme. The Confederation of Apiculture Industry is dedicated to supporting the development of the apiculture sector, and this seminar marked a significant step towards that goal. Additionally, plantation of beeflora was carried out on the university campus, and participants received beeflora plants to support their beekeeping efforts.