In 2019, the region produced 1,306.2 tons of honey, which increased to 2,709.2 tons in the following years. | Photo credit: –
A sweet revolution is sweeping through JAMMU and Kashmir with the production of the region, large amounts of honey annually, giving a filling to the rural economy.
According to official data, the region has witnessed an increase twice in honey production driven by the launch of new schemes and the growing interest of young entrepreneurs in beekeeping.
In 2019, the region produced 1,306.2 tons of honey, which increased to 2,709.2 tons in the following years.
Young entrepreneurs
In February 2024, Nazim Nazir, who directs a bees maintenance unit in the Samboora village of the Pulwama district, about 18 km south of Srinagar, received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his achievements in the Apicure sector.
The area, once known as an access point for the activities of the militants, has seen an increase in young agricultural coaches.
“There are about 2,000 beekeepers alone in this district,” said Nazir.
It has 2,000 bees colonies, which produce around 3,000 kilograms of honey annually, generating an income of around ₹ 60 Lakh.
Currently, there are 4819 beekeepers in total with 2,699 in Jammu and 2,120 in the Valley. Or they are registered in Madhukranti Portal, an initiative of the Bee National Board (NBB), Ministry of Agriculture and Welfare of farmers as part of the National Mission of Beekeping and Honey (NBHM).
Similarly, the total number of bees colonies in J & K is 22,7061 with 176,078 colonies recorded in the Madhukranti portal.
The beekeeping sector has become a significant taxsence to the rural economy of the regions, generating a total income of ₹ 49.941.82 Lakh through a series of activities.
The official data suggested that honey production represented ₹ 13,546 Lakh, while the income of the beeswax stood at ₹ 27.092 Lakh. Pollatation services contribute to others ₹ 2,270.61 Lakh, followed by employment generation, which represented ₹ 6,215.79 Lakh. In addition, the bees division brought ₹ 817.42 Lakh.
New initiatives
An official said Business line That the new schemes implemented by the Government revolutionized the beekeeping sector in Jammu and KashmirTh Position at the national level.
“The schemes such as the mission for the integrated development of horticulture (MIDH), the National Program for the Development of the Mission of Berezo and Honey and Holistic Agriculture (Hamp) or Jammu & Kashmir improved the livelihood of local farmers,” said the official.
Posted on April 16, 2025