Jammu Kashmir Honey Production Rises 77 Per Cent to 3895 MTs Under HADP-Backed Beekeeping Push | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Beekeeping has emerged as a fast-growing sector in Jammu Kashmir following sustained government intervention under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), with honey production registering a 77 percent increase over the past three years.

A dedicated project titled “Promotion of Beekeeping” has been approved under HADP with a total outlay of Rs 78.09 crore. The project focuses on scientific expansion of bee colonies, cluster-based development, value addition through honey processing, institutional strengthening through Self Help Groups (SHGs), capacity building of beekeepers, and dissemination of modern equipment and technologies.

In addition, the Government is implementing the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission in the Union Territory to further strengthen the apiculture sector.

Official figures indicate that honey production in Jammu Kashmir has increased from approximately 2,200 metric tonnes to over 3,895 metric tonnes in the last three years. The rise represents a growth of about 77 percent, reflecting the impact of targeted interventions and expanded colony strength.

The number of bee colonies has also witnessed substantial expansion. Established colonies have grown from around 1.23 lakh in 2019 to nearly 2.27 lakh at present, almost doubling during this period.

To promote value addition and ensure quality assurance, the government has set up 11 Honey Processing Units across the UT. Two Honey Testing Laboratories have been made operational to maintain standards and certify quality, while nine dedicated marketing centres have been developed to facilitate aggregation, branding, and market linkages for beekeepers.

Officials said that the structured and sustained interventions have not only boosted production but also improved the sector’s institutional framework and market orientation.

As a result, Jammu Kashmir has improved its national standing in honey production, moving from 15th position to being ranked among the top 10 honey-producing States and Union Territories in recent years.

The apiculture sector is now being positioned as a key component of agricultural diversification and rural livelihood enhancement in the Union Territory, with emphasis on scientific management, infrastructure creation and value chain development.