Honey is an important agricultural product in India, with the country being one of the largest producers of honey in the world. According to the National Bee Board, India produced over 1,55,000 tones of honey in the financial year 2021-2022. Here are the top five honey-producing states in India:
- Uttar Pradesh:
Uttar Pradesh is the largest honey-producing state in India, accounting for over 30% of the country's honey production. The state has a rich tradition of beekeeping, with many farmers and rural households practicing it as a supplementary source of income. The major honey-producing districts in Uttar Pradesh are Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Siddharth Nagar, and Basti. The state produces a wide variety of honey, including litchi honey, mustard honey, and multi-floral honey.
- Gujarat:
Gujarat is the second-largest honey-producing state in India, accounting for around 15% of the country's honey production. The state is known for its high-quality honey, with the major honey-producing districts being Kheda, Anand, and Vadodara. The honey produced in Gujarat is primarily multi-floral honey, with a distinct flavor and aroma.
- Punjab:
Punjab is the third-largest honey-producing state in India, accounting for around 10% of the country's honey production. The state has a long history of beekeeping, with many farmers and rural households practicing it for generations. The major honey-producing districts in Punjab are Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar. The honey produced in Punjab is primarily mustard honey, with a strong flavor and aroma.
- Bihar:
Bihar is the fourth-largest honey-producing state in India, accounting for around 9% of the country's honey production. The state has a favorable climate for beekeeping, with a large number of flowering plants and trees. The major honey-producing districts in Bihar are Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, and Samastipur. The honey produced in Bihar is primarily multi-floral honey, with a mild flavor and aroma.
- Madhya Pradesh:
Madhya Pradesh is the fifth-largest honey-producing state in India, accounting for around 7% of the country's honey production. The state has a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal location for beekeeping. The major honey-producing districts in Madhya Pradesh are Ujjain, Indore, and Dewas. The honey produced in Madhya Pradesh is primarily multi-floral honey, with a mild flavor and aroma.
It's worth noting that honey production in India is not limited to these five states, with many other states also producing significant amounts of honey. Some of the other honey-producing states in India include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for organic honey in India, with consumers becoming more aware of the health benefits of natural, unprocessed honey. Many beekeepers and honey producers in India are now adopting organic and sustainable practices, which can have a positive impact on both the environment and the quality of the honey produced.
In conclusion, honey production is an important agricultural activity in India, providing a source of income for many farmers and rural households. Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh are the top five honey-producing states in India, each with its own unique characteristics and flavors of honey. With the growing demand for organic honey, there is a growing opportunity for beekeepers and honey producers in India to adopt sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality honey for consumers both within India and globally.