Experts call for tech-driven, quality-focused beekeeping

Ensuring the traceability of honey and restoring consumer confidence took centre stage at a two-day state-level seminar on beekeeping, organised by the Department of Entomology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. Funded by the National Bee Board (NBB), the event brought together around 250 farmers, beekeepers and experts from across Himachal Pradesh to explore new frontiers in sustainable and scientific

beekeeping.

Dr Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner and Mission Director of the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), underscored that honey production in India has seen a remarkable surge, from just 76 metric tonnes in 2013 to 1.52 lakh metric tonnes today. He attributed this growth to increased awareness of honey’s health benefits and government-led initiatives promoting scientific practices. “Seven honey testing laboratories have been established nationwide to ensure quality standards,” he said, adding that traceability through the Madhu Kranti Portal is essential for maintaining transparency and market credibility.

Highlighting the global trend of rising bee colonies, Dr Kumar urged farmers to adopt technology-driven solutions. “The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) can revolutionise beekeeping by improving productivity and traceability,” he noted. He also encouraged the formation of farmer producer organisations (FPOs) for collective marketing, revealing that 59 such groups have already been established across India. Calling attention to the threat of colony collapse disorder, he warned against excessive chemical use that disrupts bees’ foraging and reproduction patterns.

UHF Vice Chancellor Prof Rajeshwar Chandel voiced concern over adulterated, syrup-based honey infiltrating markets. Stressing the need for well-equipped testing facilities, he advocated for research-backed marketing and branding of Himachali honey through university support. He also recommended that beekeepers focus on rearing local species like Apis cerana, known for their regional adaptability and ecological importance.

Dr Manish Sharma, Dean, College of Horticulture, highlighted the ecological role of honeybees as natural pollinators and discussed the university’s Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) in beekeeping for horticulture students.

Earlier, Dr Subhash Verma, Head of the Entomology Department, emphasised capacity building through training programmes under the NBB project, involving Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

Participants also visited UHF’s Apis mellifera and Apis cerana apiaries, honey processing unit and testing laboratory. The university showcased its ongoing project, “Honey and Other Hive Products Production Model for Sustainable High-Hill Beekeeping in Himachal Pradesh,” under which mud hives for conserving Apis cerana have been installed at five research centres, demonstrating how tradition and technology can together sustain the sweetness of the hills.