How Bacteriophage Solutions Revolutionise Poultry Farming

Given the high prevalence of disease in poultry due to intensive farming, innovative solutions such as bacteriophages are the need of the hour.

How Can India Improve its Portfolio of Exotic Honeys

India is home to the largest number of beehives (12.2 million) and is the eighth largest producer in the world, producing about 62,000 metric tonnes (MT) of honey worth Rs 21.1 billion (2020- 21). Today India contributes to only about 3.6 per cent of global natural honey exports worth Rs 6.62 billion, of which 73 per cent is exported to the US. The Indian honey market is anticipated to reach Rs 38.3 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 10.31 per cent, according to IMARC report. The country's largest honey-producing states are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar.

‘We need more regional, central honey testing labs in India’

The increase in consumption of honey is a global phenomenon which was propelled by a growing awareness of health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping in line with the expanding market, the government of India launched the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission in 2020 (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare) to promote Indian apiculture and double the farmers income by 2024. In an interaction with AgroSpectrum India Namrata Khanna, Director, India Honey Alliance (IHA) shared her vision for a ‘Sweet Revolution’ along with the infrastructural and regulatory challenges plaguing the Indian honey market at large. Edited excerpts.

Tapping Uncommon Opportunity

In addition to honey, the activities of the magical insect lead to a variety of in-demand products and valuable benefits to agriculture including increase in crop production.

Prismatic View of Apiculture Profitability

The rising prevalence of chronic medical ailments, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, represents one of the key factors positively influencing the honey market in India. In addition, the escalating demand for immunity-boosting and health-improving products is offering lucrative growth opportunities to honey manufacturers. The rising utilisation of honey in home remedies is also increasing the sales of honey in the country. Apart from this, scientific validation of the medicinal properties of honey and its rising usage in formulating medicines for the treatment of cough and acute throat infection on account of its antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties is augmenting the market growth. Additionally, leading players are focusing on launching different product variants, which is propelling the market growth. Along with this, the Government of India is introducing various training programmes and mentoring services to educate farmers on the latest beekeeping practices. Furthermore, the expansion of organised distribution channels, such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and general stores, along with the thriving e-commerce industry, is stimulating the market growth. Moreover, increasing investments by key players in research and development (R&D) activities to improve extraction processes are anticipated to drive the market further.

Tomar launches indigenous vaccine for ‘lumpy skin disease’ in livestock

Coming as a big relief to the livestock farmers across the country, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, has launched an indigenous vaccine, Lumpi-ProVacInd to protect livestock from Lumpy Skin disease.

PM dedicates 2G Ethanol plant in Panipat

On the occasion of World Biofuel Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the 2nd generation (2G) Ethanol Plant in Panipat, Haryana to the nation via video conferencing.