Facilitating honey producers in accessing export markets besides availing government assistance under different schemes, quality certification and lab testing
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been giving thrust on boosting exports through ensuring quality production and market expansion to newer countries. India at present is wholly dependent on the US to export its natural honey which accounts for more than 80 per cent of the exports.
APEDA is also facilitating honey producers in accessing export markets besides availing government assistance under different schemes, quality certification and lab testing. The body is also working to mitigate the exporters’ challenges which can be higher freight cost, limited availability of containers in peak honey export season, higher nuclear magnetic resonance test costs and inadequate export incentives.
“We are in a close collaboration with the state government, farmers and other stakeholders in the value chain to boost exports to other countries and regions such as the UK, European Union and South East Asia,” Dr M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA said.
As per the record, India so far has exported 59,999 metric tonnes (MT) of natural honey worth Rs 716 crore during 2020-21, with the US taking a major share at 44,881 MT. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bangladesh and Canada were the other top destinations for Indian honey. India started its first organised exports in the year 1996-97.
In India, North East Region and Maharashtra are the major players in honey production. Around 50per cent of the honey produced in India is consumed domestically and the rest is exported across the globe. Honey exports have huge potential and especially in the COVID19 pandemic as its consumption has gone up globally as an effective immunity booster and a healthier alternative to sugar.
The Government of India approved the allocation of Rs 500 crore for the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) for three years (2020-21 to 2022-23).
