State govt to set up honey village in every district of Maharashtra; honey cafes in pipeline

Time of India

2 days ago

Kolhapur: Following the success of 'madhache gaon' (honey village) in Manghar near Satara's Mahabaleshwar, and Patgaon in Kolhapur district, the Maharashtra Khadi and Village Industries Board has launched plans to establish 'honey villages' across all districts of the state.
This programme seeks to provide villagers with honey farming as an additional income source alongside their regular agricultural activities. Govt has sanctioned Rs 17 crores for this initiative. Initially, 10 villages from 10 districts have been selected. There is an allocation of about Rs 5 crores for the first phase of implementation.
Ravindra Sathe, the chairman of Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board, said, "Madhache gaon, or honey village, initiative came into existence in 2022.
Manghar, near Mahabaleshwar, became the first honey village of India. Since then, the concept has received a very good response. Tourism at honey villages of Manghar (Satara) and Patgaon (Kolhapur) is increasing day by day, and is providing a boost to the economy of the villages.
"
The board now plans to set up honey cafes in popular tourist destinations like Lonavla, Mahabaleshwar, and Panchgani. These establishments will serve various honey-based items, including honey coffee, honey chocolate, and dry fruit honey.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed!
IC Markets
Start Now
Undo
Renowned chef Vishnu Manohar demonstrated an innovative dish using banana peel combined with honey, creating a delectable treat that concealed its primary ingredient effectively, showcasing honey's ability to enhance flavours.
"We have two units at Mahabaleshwar, where on average, Rs 70 to 80 lakh worth of honey is sold to tourists without extra effort every year. People are demanding honey sold by the Khadi and Village Industries Board, and, therefore, we decided to create a honey village in every district of Maharashtra.
Govt's aim for this initiative is not just to create a market and sell honey, but to promote honey farming along with making people understand the importance of honey bees and the role they play in pollination," added Sathe.
Raghunath Narayankar, the director of Madh Sanchnalay, Mahabaleshwar, said, "In 2024-2025, 3 lakh kilogram of honey production took place in Maharashtra. The way 'Mendhpal' goat farmers are made to station their goats and sheep in different farms to provide good manure for agriculture, on the same lines, now farmers cultivating watermelon, pomegranate, drumstick, and other fruits are opting to keep beehive boxes in their farms for pollination and to increase the harvest.
"
The board purchases honey from farmers at Rs 500 per kg and honey wax at Rs 300 per kg, according to Narayankar. Several honey farmers have achieved success, with some establishing their own branded products.