Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Addl Secretary, Agri Ministry Chairs Meeting on Application & Use of GI of Honey at Krishi Bhawan

Dr. Likhi stated that the National Bee Board (NBB) will assist stakeholders in obtaining GI tags for various types of honey with the help of state governments and other stakeholders. He believes that GI Tagging will greatly benefit the beekeeping community because, after the Tag, beekeepers will be able to add value to honey and other beehive products.

A geographical indication (GI) is a label placed on products with a specific geographical origin that guarantees good quality or a good reputation in the region. GI is critical for the spread of beekeeping on a national and international scale. According to Dr. Likhi, the government has announced a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) titled "National Beekeeping and Honey Mission" (NBHM) with a budget of Rs. 500 crores for the three years 2020-21 to 2022-23.

Under NBHM, 100 Honey FPOs/ Clusters have been identified to promote and support the honey sector in the country holistically. The "Madhukranti portal" is another NBHM initiative that has been launched for online registration and the development of a Blockchain system for the traceability of the source of honey and other bee products. Currently, over 20 lakh honeybee colonies have registered with the NBB through the Madhukranti portal. The NBHM effectively monitors beekeeping activities in India.

He stated that India is currently producing approximately 1,33,000 Metric Tonnes (MTs) of Honey (2021-22), and that India has also become a major honey exporting country. During 2021-22, the country exported 74,413.05 MT of honey worldwide.

Dr. N.K. Patle, Executive Director of the National Bee Board, discussed the need for and importance of GI tagging in honey. He stated that GI Tagging of Honey promotes beekeepers'/other stakeholders' economic prosperity by increasing their demand in national and international markets. He also mentioned that GI tagging of honey helps consumers get quality products with desired characteristics and ensures authenticity. It will also aid in the prevention of honey adulteration.

Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, Government of India, stated that for the holistic development of beekeeping, a focus on honey marketing at both the national and international levels is required. GI Tag will benefit the rural sector by increasing producer revenue and job creation in the region. It mentioned a unique quality/characteristic of geographical indications.

It prevents duplication of tagged products, thereby providing legal protection to Geographical Indications in India. This label is given to high-quality products in order to increase customer satisfaction. The high quality of the products allows the producers to enter the international market. With changing marketing dynamics, it is becoming increasingly important for all industries to make the best use of geo tagging service.

Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary, Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), provided an update on GI tagging of agricultural commodities, stating that GI tagging is area and species-specific and must be implemented with the goal of export.

Dr. P. Chandra Shekar, Director General of MANAGE, announced that 432 agricultural products have been officially registered for GI Tagging with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India. He briefly explained the process of GI Tag registration and urged the organization to apply for GI registration.

Dr. S.C. Dubey, ADG (PP), ICAR, appreciates the honey GI tagging efforts. It is worth noting that GI Tagging highlights the characteristics of products, which aids in commodity marketing and exports. He stated that ICAR will raise awareness about GI Tag via its AICRP (HB&P) centres.

Jaidev Singh, Managing Director, Ambrosia Natural Products India Pvt Ltd., Uttar Pradesh, a Member Society of the National Bee Board (NBB), stated that mustard honey accounts for approximately 70% of total production. He also praised Honey's efforts for GI Tagging.

Amit Dhanuka, Managing Director, Kejriwal Bee Care India Private Limited, a Member Society of National Bee Board (NBB), stated that each area has unique flora, making it simple to obtain a GI tag in that area. Devvrat Sharma, Director, Hi Tech Natural Products Pvt. Ltd., Uttar Pradesh, a Member Society of the National Bee Board (NBB), praised the NBHM's efforts in the area of honey GI tagging.