Potential of Honey-based Agri Business in Tribal, Hilly and Backward areas

Honey has long been recognized as a natural remedy for several ailments and has been used in India as a medicine and in cosmetic preparations for centuries. Total honey production in India is about 37000 tonnes out of which 70% is by Apis Dorsata (Rock bees or Bhawar bees) and the rest 30% by Apis Melifera (Bamble bee) and other bees. Though Rock bees, are responsible for 70% honey production. They are killed by fire and the hives are destroyed beyond recovery by traditional methods of honey extraction. This results in loss of renewable honey source. This, paper, discusses the honey properties, and describes scientific honey extraction and processing methods to get good quality honey. The role of Jai Vigyan Mission Project in popularizing scientific honey making process and promoting agri-business in honey in the rural, tribal and backward areas is also discussed.