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.

The Indian apiculture market reached a value of Rs 20,480 million in 2021. It is all geared up to reach a benchmark figure of Rs 40,161 million by 2027, with a CAGR of 11.73 per cent during 2022-2027, according to IMARC, a global research company with its headquarters located in Noida.

India is a major honey exporting nation. As per the data shared by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India exported 74,413 metric tonnes (MT) of natural honey worth Rs 1,221 crore during 2021-22, with the United States taking a major share at 59,262 MT. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Nepal and Morocco were the other top destinations for Indian honey. When it comes to producing and exporting honey, India came in at 8th and 9th, respectively. The main producing hubs for natural honey in the nation are Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Policy Impetus for Apiculture

Exports of honey have enormous potential, particularly post the COVID-19 pandemic, given the rise in its intake as a potent immune booster and a healthier option than sugar. To further enhance honey production and to make this sector more profitable, last year, the Government of India approved an allocation of Rs 500 crore for the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) for three years (2020-21 to 202223). The mission was announced as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in February 2021.