GI Tagging Proposed To Stop Honey Adulteration

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare conducted a Consultative Workshop on "Technological Intervention & Innovations in the Honey/Beekeeping Sector" in New Delhi under the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM).

The event was attended by approximately 600 beekeepers, honey startups, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), along with various stakeholders in beekeeping, officials from different Ministries, Government Organizations, and Institutes, State Horticulture Departments, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs). The participants were present both physically and virtually to share their insights and knowledge on the subject.

He urged beekeepers and other stakeholders to obtain GI tagging and geo-referencing for their produce.

During the workshop's opening remarks, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, the Horticulture Commissioner, provided an overview of the beekeeping industry in the country. He emphasized the crucial role that technological advancements play in the sector and discussed the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) and its contribution to strengthening the industry.

The NBHM facilitates the promotion of Honey FPOs and Agri startups, which helps to boost beekeeping. Furthermore, he highlighted that the implementation of the NBHM scheme aims to improve infrastructure facilities for honey collection, storage, processing, testing, and branding centers. These enhancements will ultimately increase the export potential of honey in the country.

Dr. Kumar also suggested that GI Tagging could serve as an effective tool to combat adulteration and malpractices in the honey sector. He encouraged beekeepers and stakeholders to obtain GI Tagging and Geo referencing for their produce.

The Horticulture Commissioner has promised complete assistance to beekeepers throughout the nation through the NBHM program.

During a workshop, Dr. N. K. Patle, who serves as the Additional Commissioner Horticulture and Executive Director of the National Bee Board (NBB), gave a concise presentation on the achievements and role of the NBHM, as well as the GI Tagging and Geo-referencing of honey in India. He also discussed the success stories of the beneficiaries assisted by NBHM and highlighted the opportunities available to beekeepers, agristartups, and other stakeholders under NBHM.

Dr. Patle stressed the need for technological advancements in beekeeping and emphasized the Indian government's commitment to increasing the potential of the beekeeping industry, particularly by supporting honey startups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) involved in beekeeping.

The participants recommended certain modifications to the support provided by the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM). These changes included enhancing the laboratory infrastructure, providing training to honey bee keepers to combat honey adulteration, developing outreach plans to educate consumers, and placing greater emphasis on bee products.

-PIB

Also Read:-

Best Tools For The Exquisite Apiculture Or Bee Farming

“Queen” Of Bee Keeping Smt Hmangaihkimi

Union Minister Parshottam Rupala To Launch ‘Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative’ Under National One Health Mission