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Indian honey fast catching fancy overseas
Monday, 07 July 2003, 19:30 IST
NEW DELHI: From food for vitality to bread spread and accompaniment, Indian honey is fast making it to kitchen shelves overseas, helped in no small measure by the ban on Chinese honey in several countries.
Ranging from tangy mustard honey used as bread spread, eucalyptus honey, sunflower honey, light colour acacia honey from Kashmir, rubber honey from Kerala, Bihar's special litchi honey and the multi-flora honey, India offers a large variety which is free of any pesticide or antibiotics.
"India has benefited considerably following the ban on Chinese honey by the European Union, the U.S. and other countries after pesticide residues were found in some of the stock," N.M. Kejriwal, chairman of Kejriwal Group and president of the National Bee Board, told IANS.
"We are now trying to promote litchi honey in a large way because of its special flavour. India also has a good chance in the global market for supply of organic honey.
"We have applied for certification from globally accredited agencies," Kejriwal added.
One of the largest exporters, Kejriwal Group last year sold 5,000 tonnes of honey worth 
280 million. The company is actively involved in research for development of better quality honey and secondary products like honey wax.
Over the last five years, Indian honey exports have grown by leaps and bounds. From less than 100 tonnes exports in 1997, it grew to 368 tonnes by 1998 and 2,000 tonne in 1999. Last year, the exports jumped further to 10,000 tonnes worth 400 million.
During 2003-04, Indian honey exporters are targeting overseas sales of 20,000 tonnes worth an estimated 1 billion.
For long China had been leading the honey exporting countries that include Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and several Central European countries. China led the race with its competitive price realisation compared to India.
The ban on Chinese honey and drop in honey production in Europe and the U.S. last year has helped India strengthen its position in the global market.
Britain, the U.S., Germany and France are among the major markets for Indian honey. The exporters are currently eyeing the potential in the Middle East and planning direct supplies to local traders, who are sourcing from Germany.
"We are tying up with traders in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, for direct supplies to cater to local demands," said Kejriwal.
Now through the government-supported the National Bee Board, Indian exporters are encouraging farmers to go in for production of organic honey for better price realisation.
In an attempt to seek larger support of state governments, the National Bee Board is preparing a paper highlighting the benefits farmers derive, including earning 80-92 per kg of honey.
The board is conducting training programmes as well.
From 1,400 per tonne earlier, Indian honey currently fetches around 2,300 per tonne.
"If we get the organic honey certification, we can hope to get at least another 1,500 more per tonne," said Kejriwal.
"By next year we hope to start supply of organic honey and are encouraging farmers not to use any chemicals in the cultivation of crops."
Source: IANS
280 million. The company is actively involved in research for development of better quality honey and secondary products like honey wax.
Over the last five years, Indian honey exports have grown by leaps and bounds. From less than 100 tonnes exports in 1997, it grew to 368 tonnes by 1998 and 2,000 tonne in 1999. Last year, the exports jumped further to 10,000 tonnes worth 400 million.
During 2003-04, Indian honey exporters are targeting overseas sales of 20,000 tonnes worth an estimated 1 billion.
For long China had been leading the honey exporting countries that include Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and several Central European countries. China led the race with its competitive price realisation compared to India.
The ban on Chinese honey and drop in honey production in Europe and the U.S. last year has helped India strengthen its position in the global market.
Britain, the U.S., Germany and France are among the major markets for Indian honey. The exporters are currently eyeing the potential in the Middle East and planning direct supplies to local traders, who are sourcing from Germany.
"We are tying up with traders in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, for direct supplies to cater to local demands," said Kejriwal.
Now through the government-supported the National Bee Board, Indian exporters are encouraging farmers to go in for production of organic honey for better price realisation.
In an attempt to seek larger support of state governments, the National Bee Board is preparing a paper highlighting the benefits farmers derive, including earning 80-92 per kg of honey.
The board is conducting training programmes as well.
From 1,400 per tonne earlier, Indian honey currently fetches around 2,300 per tonne.
"If we get the organic honey certification, we can hope to get at least another 1,500 more per tonne," said Kejriwal.
"By next year we hope to start supply of organic honey and are encouraging farmers not to use any chemicals in the cultivation of crops."
Source: IANS