Honey Village of Kashmir

Why in news?

The village in Kashmir is emerging as a hub for beekeeping, offering people a lucrative livelihood while grappling with challenges in technology and scaling production.

• Ramhama – A village in the Budgam district of central Kashmir, has been dubbed the "Honey Village" due to its flourishing apiculture and honey production.

Apiculture is the scientific method of rearing and managing honey bee colonies in artificial hives, also known as beekeeping.

• Inspiring pioneer – The movement was pioneered by local beekeeper Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, who started with just 10 bee boxes in 2010.
• Growth and success – Mir's success with an annual production of 7,000–8,000 kilograms of honey, has inspired over 100 young people to enter the industry.
• Economic impact – Apiculture provides a valuable supplementary source of income for many local people and is a promising sector for boosting the local economy.
• Government support – The local honey production has been supported by programs like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

Quick Fact

References

1. The Hindu | Honey Village
2. APEDA | Honey Production in India
3. PIB | Honey Production in India