Country's first honey festival to be organised in Maharashtra

The country's first 'Honey Festival-2024' is being organised in Maharashtra with the aim of expanding the scope of the honey industry, promoting rural economy and making people aware of beekeeping. Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board Chairman Ravindra Sathe said that its first event is being held on January 18 and 19 at Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan in Mumbai.

He was speaking at a press conference held at the office of Maharashtra State Khadi and Rural Board in Fort. On this occasion, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, R. Vimala, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Bipin Jagtap, Assistant Officer Nityanand Patil were present. Bees are not limited to just honey and wax but also increase agricultural production through pollination. Bees are an important element of nature and are directly related to the rural economy.

The first honey directorate in the country was established in Mahabaleshwar in 1946. Taking inspiration from Maharashtra, the Central Government started the Honey Directorate. Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board implements various schemes to increase honey production. These mainly include the new concepts of 'Madh Center Scheme' and 'Madhche Village'. Beekeeping Industry Exhibition will be organised for information and sale of beekeeping by-products like pollen, wax, royal jelly, propolis, bee venom etc.

At least 20 stalls of various beekeepers from the state will be set up in this along with honey as well as co-products made from honey and beeswax. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will inaugurate the event in Mumbai and renowned chef Vishnu Manohar will be the highlight of the festival.

In view of the increasing area of honey in the state, the foundation of the honey revolution will be laid through this festival. In this two-day honey festival, programs will be organised on conservation and protection of bees, training of farmers, physical health and honey, description of experiences of people of honey villages etc.

Maharashtra is the state that offers the highest guaranteed price of honey in India, with a guaranteed price of INR 500 per kg. Besides, a scheme to gather information about beekeepers will also be implemented. At present, 4 thousand 539 beekeeper farmers in 1079 villages of Maharashtra are producing honey from about 32 thousand bees. Last year 1 lakh 60 thousand honey was produced. It was told that its price was INR 269 lakh.