Beekeepers in the Malwa region of Punjab are facing mounting losses as the price of mustard honey has taken a steep fall, coupled with the added financial burden of storage costs. Exporters are offering lower rates, leaving honey producers in a tough spot as they try to sustain their businesses.
Mustard honey, which makes up nearly three-fourths of Punjab’s total honey production, is primarily exported to markets in the United States and Europe. However, the price per kilogram has plummeted from ₹145 last year to just ₹118 this year, significantly reducing beekeepers’ profits.
Adding to their woes, a sudden change in weather has led to a decline in honey production. Beekeepers now fear that lower output and falling prices will make it harder for them to recover their costs.
A major concern for these honey producers is the cost of preserving their honey. Typically, they store it at room temperature, but as temperatures rise in March, they will need to move it to cold storage to maintain quality. This additional expense is expected to further strain their finances.
Unlike many agricultural products, honey does not benefit from a government-mandated minimum support price (MSP), leaving beekeepers at the mercy of traders and exporters. Without government intervention, the input cost for honey production could increase further, and beekeepers worry about maintaining the quality of their produce. Exposure to dust and contaminants is a major concern if proper storage conditions cannot be met.
With no immediate relief in sight, Punjab’s beekeepers are calling for government support to stabilize prices and ensure sustainable honey production in the region.
