Economics and marketing strategies of successful beekeepers in Ludhiana district

The present study was conducted in Ludhiana district with a view to study the economics and marketing strategies of innovative beekeepers. These beekeepers were identified in consultation with the PAU experts in the discipline and Chief Agricultural Officer, Ludhiana. It was observed that all the sample beekeepers were literate and out of them 93.33 percent had acquired training of beekeeping before starting the enterprise. It was further observed that 20 percent were the award winners at village, district and state level. 66.66 percent of the respondents were having more than five years of experience in beekeeping. Maximum variable costs were incurred on packing material for honey (21.72 percent). The gross margins over variable costs were highest (Rs.39.39/kg) and the share of producer in consumer's rupee was 92.69 percent when the honey was sold directly to the consumer, as there was no intermediary in between the producer and the consumer. Further the gross margins and share of producer in consumer's rupee decreased with the increase of intermediaries in the marketing channel. 86.67 percent of the respondents faced the problem of lack of regulated market for honey and 80 percent faced price fluctuation problem. The sample beekeepers suggested for setting up of proper price of honey by government involvement and establishment of regulated markets for selling honey.