By KN Kumar
The picturesque landscapes of North-Eastern India hide a treasure of immense potential – apiculture, or beekeeping. This age-old practice not only promises economic growth but also serves as a sustainable and eco-friendly means of livelihood. Through this article I want to place before you the untapped opportunities of apiculture in the North-Eastern region, examining its global significance, the challenges faced, and the transformative impact it can have on our farmers.
Beekeeping has experienced a global resurgence, owing to the increasing demand for honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products. Data indicate that the global trade in apiculture products surpasses $10 billion annually. This thriving market presents a remarkable opportunity for Meghalaya to tap into its potential and become a significant global player. India’s apiculture industry has witnessed consistent growth in recent years, emerging as one of the top five honey-producing nations worldwide. With an annual production exceeding 100,000 metric tons, India has established itself as a key player in the global honey market. Additionally, the domestic consumption of honey has witnessed a significant upsurge as health-conscious consumers seek healthier alternatives.
The North eastern region’s unique floral diversity, consisting of approximately 107 bee flora species, yields a wide range of sought-after honey varieties. The region’s geographical advantage and favourable climatic conditions enable year-round honey production, providing the industry with a distinct advantage. The apiculture industry in Meghalaya, is however, primarily supported by small and marginal farmers operating with one or two bee hives. These resilient farmers find hope in beekeeping as a supplementary source of income. Currently, there are approximately 40,000 beekeepers in the North-East, collectively producing around 500 tonnes of honey annually. Too small a quantity to count!
Within the world of honey bees, an intriguing diversity exists. Alongside the common honey bee species, the North-Eastern region is home to a unique variety – the stingless honey bee. The honey produced by the stingless bees is possibly the most valuable of all the honeys. Honey bees are not mere honey producers; they are vital pollinators crucial for the reproduction of plants. 95% of earth’s crops rely on cross-pollination so beekeeping plays a pivotal role in ensuring agricultural productivity and food security. Their diligent foraging and efficient pollination ensure the health and productivity of agricultural crops, playing a pivotal role in global food security.
While the apiculture industry in the North-Eastern region holds immense potential, it also faces several challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth. One pressing issue is the lack of specific and specialized treatment for apiculture within government schemes. Despite its promising prospects, beekeeping has not received the attention and support it deserves. To build a sustainable future for apiculture, it is essential to advocate for dedicated support, tailored schemes, and capacity-building initiatives targeting the beekeepers. This includes providing access to modern beekeeping techniques, training programmes, and financial assistance to enable beekeepers to scale up their operations effectively. Most important of all the problems is that Honey has fallen between the departmental cracks. No one owned up Honey. For a while the subject was with the industries department while the National Bee Board is under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
A critical concern relating to honey however, is the standards and transparency of Indian honey manufacturers. Allegations of adulteration and compromised quality tarnish our reputation as a nation. Strengthening the regulatory framework governing the honey industry is crucial to address these concerns effectively. Leveraging advancements in technology can significantly benefit the apiculture industry. Implementing sophisticated testing methods, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology ensures the authenticity and quality of honey products, assuring consumers and strengthening the industry’s reputation.
I propose that Meghalaya should seize the opportunity and create a Meghalaya Wine & Mead Board. Mead, also known as “honey wine,” is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water. Globally, mead has gained popularity as a craft beverage, offering a unique flavour profile. The mead industry is still emerging in India. As the craft beverage scene grows, mead can create a new market with its unique taste and potential therapeutic properties. Meaderies experiment with different honey varietals and flavours, appealing to consumers seeking artisanal options. Mead also presents opportunities for honey producers and beekeepers, creating a new market. I argue that the proposed Wine & Med Board should be firmly within the fold of the Directorate of Food Processing because both Wine and Mead are integrally connected to fruit and honey production.
Beekeeping extends far beyond the production of honey. Bees offer a treasure trove of miscellaneous products that have diverse applications in various industries viz., beeswax propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom. These products not only showcase the remarkable versatility of beekeeping but also hold significant value in sectors such as cosmetics, health and wellness, and crafts.
Beeswax, a natural substance secreted by honey bees, has long been cherished for its diverse uses. Its malleability, moisturizing properties, make it a valuable ingredient in cosmetics, where it finds application in lip balms, lotions, and natural skincare products. Beeswax is also favoured in candle-making due to its clean and long-lasting burn. Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees, is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Bees use propolis to protect their hives from pathogens. This natural product has found applications in various industries, including health supplements, creams, and oral care products. Its potential health benefits, such as immune support and anti-inflammatory properties, have garnered attention from health-conscious consumers.
Royal jelly, a nutrient-rich substance produced by worker bees, serves as the exclusive diet for bee larvae destined to become queens. Its nutritional composition, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, has led to its use in dietary supplements, beauty products, and natural remedies. Royal jelly is esteemed for its potential rejuvenating properties and potential benefits to overall health and well-being. Bee-collected pollen is a protein-packed substance that serves as a primary source of nutrition for bee larvae. It is considered a superfood due to its rich nutritional profile, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Consumed directly or incorporated into health foods and dietary supplements, pollen has gained recognition for its potential health benefits and is also used in beauty products for its skin-nourishing properties.
While bee venom may cause temporary discomfort when bees sting, it has shown potential medicinal properties. Apitherapy, the therapeutic use of bee products, includes the use of bee venom for conditions like arthritis, inflammation, and pain management. Administered by trained professionals, bee venom has gained attention for its potential in alternative therapies.
Meghalaya has a golden opportunity to unlock the full potential of apiculture. With its diverse flora, favourable climate, and dedicated beekeepers, the region can become a leading hub for honey production and export. However, to realize this potential, it is crucial to create a dedicated institution to be named Meghalaya Wine & Mead Board, through which we can foster sustainable economic growth and secure a prosperous future for our people. The Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission is organizing a two-day national workshop at Shillong on 19th & 20th of July this year, to create a path. After all, honey is money!!
(The writer is Chairman, Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission)