Country’s First Honeybee Flora Park (Beekeeping Centre)

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:
  1. Honey Production and Beekeeping
  2. Procurement and Scientific Processing of farmer-produced honey
  3. 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

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.