Context:
The Honeybee Flora Park at Kallimel, near Mavelikara, under the Kerala State Horticultural Products Development Corporation (Horticorp), is emerging as a major hub for honey production, farmer training, and now tourism, with plans to set up a museum and laboratory.
Key Highlights:
- Operational Overview:
- Launched: 2018
- Location: 3-acre campus in Thazhakara grama panchayat
- Honey Procured: Over 50,000 kg from local farmers
- In-house Production: Around 2 tonnes annually from 200 beehives (stingless and Indian honeybees)
- Three Core Functions:
- Honey Production and Beekeeping
- Procurement and Scientific Processing of farmer-produced honey
- Farmer Training and Capacity Building
- Branding and Product Line:
- Honey is sold under the “Amruth Honey” brand (pack sizes: 50g to 5kg)
- Value-added products include honey soap and other derivatives
- Training & Farmer Support:
- 1,500+ farmers trained to date
- Trained farmers eligible for 40% subsidy on beehives and equipment via Central/State schemes
- New Developments:
- Honey Museum:
- Planned to boost tourism and educational outreach
- Aims to showcase beekeeping history, biodiversity, and honey production
- Quality Testing Laboratory:
- Approved for setup
- Construction to begin within two months
- Will provide scientific validation for honey quality
- Honey Museum:
Significance
This model supports rural livelihoods, promotes scientific beekeeping, ensures fair pricing for farmers, and integrates eco-tourism to raise awareness on pollination, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.
