Beekeeping has become a potential source of income for small farmers and also enhancing the employment opportunities in rural areas. However, traditional processing method using wooden fired system often led to deterioration in quality, appearance and low market value. Addressing the gap, under FARMER FIRST project of ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana, a modern temperature-controlled unit at farm level was introduced to improve the processing efficiency and quality of honey. The farmers were provided with technical hands-on training, and equipment support to promote the processing of honey under controlled and hygienic conditions. The modern technology was adopted by a farmer in the village Bandi, Bathinda and he also launched his own brand by the name of “PURE HONEY”. The shift from a bulk seller to brand owner by the adoption of modern honey processing unit, built a confidence and also improved the quality of honey which effectively improved the consumer trust and market value. This initiative also inspired other neighbouring farmers to adopt similar technology to boost their traditional bee keeping into a profitable enterprise.
Honeybees, Honey, Quality, Temperature controlled unit, Wooden-fired system
