‘Sweet Revolution' in India- Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, IAS addressed PHD Webinar

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with the National Bee Board organized a webinar on “BEEKEEPING – HONEY: for increasing crop productivity, improving immunity and enhancing income” under the Webinar Series “Strategies for Doubling Farmers’ Income – Marching towards an Income Revolution of Farmers”.

The webinar had an overwhelming response, and the deliberations were on “BEEKEEPING – HONEY: for increasing crop productivity, improving immunity and enhancing income.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, GOI, appreciated PHDCCI for organizing a webinar on one of the most priority subjects of the government, which is not only important for the growth of the Horticulture Sector in India but also one which has gauged our Prime Minister’s attention.

He added, that the Government of India has initiated a lot of programmes that are innovative in nature and technology-driven, some of which are direct benefit transfer to farmers, input subsidies through various schemes and minimum support price to farmers, among others.

He shared that India’s horticulture production has surpassed that of the agriculture sector production in the last couple of years. But mentioned that post-harvest management, cold–chain storage facilities, warehousing facilities are challenging areas and the government is working towards strengthening these to ensure strong logistics for the agriculture and horticulture sector.

Throwing light on the introduction of Rs 1 lakh crore Agri Infrastructure Fund by the government, Lekhi explained that the fund apart from helping the public, private sector enterprises and farmers will also help the agriculture entrepreneurs who are seeking funding for their start-ups or further growth. He urged PHDCCI, through its members, to reach out to all stakeholders and spread awareness about the fund, as it is sure to help farmers and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses multi times.

He stated that the announcement of a package of 500 crores by our Prime Minister, shows the importance the government lays to beekeeping, which is of utmost importance to farmers. The government has a clear road map laid out for the growth of the bee-keeping sector.

Lekhi assured that the government is working closely with other associations to overcome the present challenges faced by the bee-keeping stakeholder, like that of lack of infrastructure, quality testing labs, well- kept testing labs and will come up with more scientifically and technology-driven testing.

Pradeep Multani, President, PHDCCI, while deliberating the Presidential address mentioned that the target of Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022 has brought a major change in the focus of the agricultural sector from the traditional production orientation to income orientation and created renewed interest among the agricultural research community, policymakers, state authorities, extension agencies, private players, industry professionals, the farming community, youths, students, and all major stakeholders in the country.

Beekeeping has been useful in the pollination of crops, thereby, increasing the income of the farmers/beekeepers by way of increasing crop yield and providing honey and other high-value beehive products. The diversified agro-climatic conditions of India offer tremendous potential and opportunities for beekeeping/ honey production and Honey export.

Ajay Beri, Chair - Food Processing Committee, PHDCCI, while welcoming the esteemed speakers said that Indian Agriculture needs a paradigm shift from the traditional agriculture system to diversified, secondary, specialty agriculture, well supported by smart policies, strengthened institutions with enabling environment for both public and private sector investment and performance. Only then the agriculture sector would be able to ensure household nutritional security and improve the livelihood of millions of smallholder farmers in the country.

Beekeeping is a low investment and skill-based Industry having the potential to offer direct employment.  The sustainability of this industry is therefore vital to the country’s economic wellbeing and development added Beri. The experts deliberated on the importance of beekeeping in improving productivity, research & development in the sector, issues and challenges in export & marketing and discussed the role of the Government of India in promoting Beekeeping.