Investment could set Uttar Pradesh's honey sector buzzing

Lucknow: The buzz is Uttar Pradesh could become the largest producer of honey in India in the next 10 years with some encouragement.

Apiculture and horticulture experts say conditions in the state augur well for beekeeping.

"As the state has a variety of flora and crops, honey could be produced here throughout the year. States like Bihar and Jharkhand tribals are doing exceptionally good," said R.K. Lakra of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research.

New project

He was among the experts from across the country assembled at the Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology (NDUAT) in Kumarganj, 110 kilometres from here, Saturday.

"Uttar Pradesh is the sixteenth state to be sanctioned Rs.200 million (Dh14.7 million) central project for apiculture as we see tremendous potential here. Besides imparting training of honey bee culture, the nodal agencies will also be arranging funds to set up bee colonies."

"At present, Bihar is number one in honey production and if the project is implemented properly in Uttar Pradesh, it will replace Bihar in the next 10 years," added Lakra.

The rural population, specially women, are more efficient in handling the bees, he said.

While the NDUAT is the nodal agency for training and installation of the colonies, the Horticulture Produce Management Institute (HPMI), Lucknow, will be arranging for funds and loans.

The cultivators can also benefit from insurance.