Building a Sustainable Honey Industry in India

On January 29, 2025, the India Honey Alliance (IHA) and NIFTEM-K hosted a significant seminar titled “Hive to Home: Vision 2030 – Building a Scientific & Sustainable Honey Industry.” This event took place at the India International Centre in New Delhi. It aimed to align with the Prime Minister’s Honey Mission, which seeks to enhance India’s honey value chain through scientific advancements and sustainable practices. The seminar gathered policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to discuss vital topics such as quality assurance, sustainability, and global competitiveness in the honey sector.

Key Government Dignitaries and Their Insights

The seminar attracted several prominent government officials, including Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), and Dr. H.S. Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K. Dr. Gupta emphasized the importance of protecting bees and training beekeepers scientifically to ensure the authenticity of honey. He urged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to collaborate with NIFTEM and other institutions to develop relevant standards for the industry.

Dr. Gupta also highlighted the need for scientific advancements in testing methodologies to meet global benchmarks. He stressed that maintaining India’s reputation as a leading honey producer and exporter requires robust regulatory frameworks to ensure quality and consumer trust. Other dignitaries, including Dr. Satyen Panda from FSSAI and Dr. Kaushik Banerjee from ICAR, contributed valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the honey industry. Their collective expertise underscored the seminar’s significance in shaping the future of honey production in India.

Future-Ready Honey: Standards and Safety

The opening session of the seminar, moderated by Mr. Deepak Jolly, Secretary General of IHA, focused on preparing Indian honey for both domestic and global markets. Key topics included honey standards, safety, purity, and the overall status of the industry. Distinguished speakers shared their insights on strengthening standards and the role of research institutions in building a robust honey ecosystem.

Mr. Narayanan Renganathan, Chairperson of IHA, provided industry perspectives on the challenges faced and collaborative solutions available. Dr. Samuel Godefroy, former Vice Chairperson of FAO/CODEX Alimentarius, joined virtually to discuss the importance of scientific evaluation in regulatory decision-making. He specifically addressed the ongoing issue of Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in honey, emphasizing its role as a quality parameter. His insights highlighted the need for ongoing research and risk assessment studies to ensure the quality of honey produced in India.

Harmonization and Quality Assurance in Honey Production

A panel discussion at the seminar focused on harmonization to ensure quality and safety through standards and testing. Experts discussed critical challenges, such as the lack of standardized testing protocols and the need for strong regulatory frameworks. They also emphasized the urgency of debunking myths about honey through scientific validation.

Eminent scientists and industry leaders, including Mansoor Ali, Vice Chairperson of IHA, shared their perspectives on strengthening the honey supply chain and expanding market opportunities. Mr. Ed George, a Global Key Opinion Leader, joined virtually from the USA to present the latest advancements in honey testing technology. His contributions aimed to address emerging challenges in the industry and promote best practices.

The seminar concluded with key recommendations, including conducting scientific studies on Indian honey to revise standards and improve quality benchmarks. Experts stressed the importance of consumer awareness and developing advanced training systems for beekeepers. They collectively agreed that maintaining the purity and authenticity of honey requires collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and industry players.

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