Kerala - Kozhikode   

Bee-keeping cluster to tap markets

KOZHIKODE: Efforts are on to tap the domestic and export markets for honey and create job opportunities, generate income, especially in rural areas, and empower women through bee-keeping.

The Kozhikode Bee-keeping Cluster was launched recently as part of steps to make traditional industries more productive and competitive and develop them in a sustainable manner.

In addition to its use in traditional medicine, honey has a market as nutritive food for all ages, and its demand in food processing, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries is increasing.

K. Vijesh Kumar, cluster development executive, says the Kozhikode Sarvodaya Sangh is promoting and implementing bee-keeping in Kozhikode, Koyilandy and Vadakara taluks through the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission is the nodal agency and the Central Bee Research and Training Institute, Pune, of the commission provides technical assistance.

Mr. Kumar says the basic objective of the cluster is to develop a positive and progressive attitude among the public towards bee-keeping to produce quality honey using scientific methods and doubling the turnover in three years from the domestic and export markets.

Bee-keeping, considered eco-friendly, enables pollination, and the bees help in the control of the mite (mandari) disease affecting coconut palms.

As much as Rs.105.07 lakh is needed for the five-year cluster development period, with Rs.13.75 lakh allocated through the implementing agency and Rs.91.32 lakh earmarked under the scheme.

Apis cerana indica is the common species bred by bee-keepers in Kozhikode district. The product primarily includes rubber and flora honey. Sarvodaya Sangh outlets and local traders sell them at Rs.45 to Rs.50 a kg.

The cluster development objectives will be carried out through simple and easily workable methods to identify bee-keepers and breeders, set up a common facility centre for bee-keepers and increase awareness level among them on management of bees and honey. Steps will be taken for alternative choices for product development, set up an exclusive showroom and framing strategies for market promotion, Mr. Kumar says.

The common facility centre will provide amenities such as honey processing plant, storage and testing facilities, bee nursery, comb foundation mill and procurement of wax.

Capacity-building programmes planned for increasing production include awareness camps; need-based skill training on management of bee-keeping and honey extraction; preservation of comb; colour and smell maintenance technique; and hygienic honey collection.

Steps are also being initiated for identification of bee-keepers, databank creation, identity card and insurance tie-up and resource mobilisation.

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