Page 72 - MANN KI BAAT- ENGLISH

Bee Keeping

A Growing Economic Opportunity

Honey is the most popular
My dear countrymen, the
natural sweetener in the world
20th of May was celebrated
as ‘World Bee Day’; a day and the global trade in bee
which reminds us that honey products is worth millions of
is not just sweetness; it is
dollars every year. Due to its
also an example of health,
diverse use, the worldwide
self-employment and self-
reliance. consumption of honey is so huge
that supply can barely cope with
-Prime Minister Narendra Modi
demand. Bee products are used
(in 'Mann ki Baat' address)
in various food products and also
enjoy extensive use in several
industries including medicine,
food processing, industrial
manufacturing and natural
“The honey industry is the healing. Honey, popular for its
best example of sustainability.
taste and flavour, is preferred
Honey is good for producers
due to its natural sweetness
(creates livelihood), good for
and chemical properties over
the environment (increases
processed sugars and other
agricultural production and
maintains bio-diversity), good sweeteners in baking, beverages
for consumers’ health. Very few and preparing dishes.
sectors qualify all these three In recent years, India’s
criteria.”
beekeeping sector has
–Narayanan Renganathan undergone a quiet but powerful
Chief Procurement Officer, transformation, emerging as
Dabur India Limited Chairman,
a high-potential segment of
India Honey Alliance
the rural economy. It has now

72
72