Dist Anantnag sees significant growth in apiculture

Anantnag, July 23: In a significant push to promote apiculture in south Kashmir, the Agriculture Department in Anantnag has registered 346 beekeepers, including those under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). Farmers in the district have harvested around 5,001 quintals of honey last year, officials said.Sarmad Ahmad, an official from the Agriculture Department said that in 2024–25, the total production of raw honey in the district reached 5,001 quintals, which includes output from HADP-supported initiatives. He said the total number of beekeepers in Anantnag stands at 346, collectively managing 25,645 bee colonies. “However, the production figures may vary depending on the floral availability in the area,” he noted.As part of infrastructure development under HADP, the department also established a beekeeping equipment manufacturing unit during 2023–24. In addition, a honey processing unit, a custom hiring centre, and a honey collection and storage centre have been made available to farmers in the district.“To ensure colony health and disease prevention, medicinal kits have also been distributed among beekeepers,” Ahmad added.The cost of setting up a single unit is Rs 1.40 lakh, with the Agriculture Department offering a subsidy of 80 percent to eligible farmers.The department expressed hope that with continued support and upgraded infrastructure, the beekeeping sector in Anantnag will emerge as a sustainable and profitable source of livelihood for rural youth.According to the Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Anantnag, each unit comprises 35 bee colonies, and under the HADP programme, more farmers have been added. Many are now earning their livelihood through apiculture and also employing other youth.He said that the growing number of beekeepers reflects a consistent interest among farmers in adopting beekeeping as a viable livelihood.Shabir Ahmad, a farmer from Aung Nanil, Anantnag, who has been practicing beekeeping since 2017, told Rising Kashmir that he recently secured a custom hiring centre under the scheme, which comes with 50 percent subsidy support.“I have around 300 bee colonies and I produced nearly 48 quintals of honey last year. I am happy with my work. Three other youth also work on my farm and earn their livelihood,” he said., Adding,“During the off-season, we move to Jammu, Rajasthan or other areas to continue our work.”