Jammu, March 11: Director Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Jammu, K. K. Sharma inaugurated a 100 Kg capacity Honey Processing Unit established under Apiculture Development Scheme at Krishi Bhawan, here today.
Those present on the occasion include Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs), A. S. Reen, Joint Director (Apiculture & Mushroom Development), Iqbal Singh, Plant Protection Officer, Davinder Singh, Agriculture Chemist, Aman Jyoti Sharma, DSSO, Suresh Khajuria, Assistant Entomologist, Ram Gopal Sharma besides other officers and staff of Apiculture section.
The Director informed that the honey processing unit consists of Automatic Honey Processing Plant, Moisture Reduction Unit, Storage Chamber, Bottling Unit. “It performs multi-functions including preheating, processing, moisture reduction, filtration and bottling of the honey” he said.
He said that the unit will go a long way in helping the bee-keepers of Jammu division as the department will facilitate the processing of crude honey produced by the farmers free of cost. The bee-keepers will be provided a logo under “Jammu Kheti” brand as well as FSSAI testing for successful marketing of honey for remunerative returns, the Director added.
It was informed that “Madhu Kranti” Portal has been developed by The National Bee-Keeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) and 340 Bee Keepers of Jammu Division have been registered till date on the said portal. This will facilitate full tracking and hassle free movement/ migration of bee colonies for chasing bee flora outside the UT.
Pertinently, the department is promoting Ramban White Honey of Autumn season under “One District One Product” which is known for its best quality, colour and taste. Moreover honey is also produced in the whole of Chenab region, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri and other districts of Jammu Division. Bee keeping forms the potential part of integrated farming and can play an important role in doubling the farmer’s income being a non competitive off farm activity besides income and employment generating venture due to wide agro climatic diversity enabling round the year bee flora availability.
