Honey Industry in India: An Overview

Estimates of the National Bee Board of India show that the Indian honey industry has grown by almost 200% in the last 12 years. Between 2012 to 2018, the CAGR of honey stood at 10.9%. Between 2017 to 2018, Indian produced almost 1.05 lakh metric tones of honey and the industry’s worth stood at around INR 15,579 million. Currently, there are about 35 lakh bee colonies across the country rising by almost 400% from the year 2005. By the end of 2024, the Indian honey industry is predicted to grow at a further CAGR of 10.2% and should reach a valuation of nearly INR 28.057 million. The demand for honey in India is right now at its peak and more industries are joining the fray to consume honey.

What is driving the Indian honey market?

India ranks seventh among all the global honey exporters, contributing almost 4.5% of the entire world’s demand. It earns almost INR 70 crore in foreign exchange through exports. Plus, the domestic demand for natural honey is on the rise as well, up by almost 200%, with multi-floral flavoured honey topping the list among the known variations in India. The country’s pharmaceutical industry is a major consumer owing to honey’s medicinal properties, closely followed by cosmetics and domestic households.

Rising awareness about honey being alternatives to artificial sweeteners is also boosting the market. Not only are Indians settling for honey in place of processed sugar, but the food industry is also shifting to honey to add flavor and bring variation in the market. Additionally, the Government’s policies to establish beekeeping development centers across 16 states are helping the trend with farmers having access to better modernisation and increased productivity. The fertilization of honey bees drive has increased production by almost 15 to 20 times, thereby, increasing revenue and improving investment.

Yet, certain challenges do exist

Although the Government plans to create over 3 lakh jobs in the Indian honey sector, there are certain challenges that currently plague the industry. Greater supply is reducing the per kilogram price of honey forcing farmers to take a hit on their profits. On top of that, transportation poses a major threat of intensifying the loss rate and India is still road-dependent which often sees delays due to state border-related issues and more.

Climate change is the next biggest threat. A recent survey has shown that natural predators of bees, mainly birds, are migrating from Himachal and Punjab to Maharashtra (the largest producer of honey) due to unpleasant winters in the north, thus, affecting the bee population in the south. Also, summers and winters are overflowing into spring and autumn and negatively impacting the peak honey-producing seasons. Lastly, some antibiotics that are being used on honeybees are also creating issues with their population and honey production and the market is currently unable to function at its full potential.

However, there are silver linings

The Government of India has rolled out various policies to keep the price volatility of honey in check. It is gradually shifting to honey-based food services in airlines and railways along with introducing honey in school mid-day meals. This will stabilise the economy surrounding the honey industry. Demand will meet supply and profits will come to both sides. Plus, a few suggestions are also being placed on the table about diversifying the honey industry by extracting bee pollen and venom as well along with honey.

Back in 2005, Indian merely had 8 lakh bee colonies. And the country produced only 35 metric tones of honey. The surmounting growth is proof that the industry has flourished and will rise more. With assistance form strategic regulations and investments, the country can indeed become a leading honey producer and also halt the ecological imbalance being created by the diminishing bee population.

About the Author

Sonia Kakkar is a freelance writer and a blogger who associates with brands and help them in their online brand promotions. Currently she is an associate at GHCL Limited – a well-diversified group that has ascertained its footprints in Chemicals, Textiles and Consumer Product Segments. In her free time, Sonia loves to watch movies, hangout with friends and read novels.