Beekeeping is one of the oldest tradition in India for collecting the honey. Honey bee farming is becoming popular due its market demand in national and international markets as well. Not only the farmers make a sweet dividends but beekeeping also help increase agriculture productivity through pollination. Honeybees also produce honey, bee wax and royal jelly thus giving additional benefits to the farmers. After successive losses in traditionally grown crops, farmers are inclining towards bee farming. In order to maximize agricultural production, honeybee can be used as an important input agent. About 80 % crop plants are cross-pollinated, as they need to receive pollen from other plants of the same species with the help of external agents. One of the most important external agents is the honeybee. Farmers planning for commercial honey bee farming should consider taking apiculture training. Usually, a colony consists of a queen, several thousand workers and a few hundred drones. Collection of honey from the forests has been in existence for a long time. Honey bees convert nectar of flowers into honey and store them in the combs of the hive and the growing market potential for honey and its products has resulted in bee keeping emerging as a viable enterprise. Honey and wax are the two economically important products of bee keeping. Bee keeping is an agro based enterprise for additional income generation.
Beekeeping is a significant sustainable, and environmental sound activity involving integration of forestry, social forestry and Agricultural supporting activity since it provides nutritional, economic, and ecological balance, while providing employment and income. India has a good potential for beekeeping and to become a major honey exporting nation. Beekeeping is a low investment and skill Industry having the potential to offer direct employment to lakhs of people especially hill dwellers, tribal and unemployed youth and farmers. Sustainability of this industry is therefore vital to the country’s economic wellbeing and development. Beekeeping has been carried out across many generations in India. It plays a vital role in the livelihoods of the rural communities. it is an income generating activity, provides food and medicine - value of honey and other hive products are invaluable, it supports agricultural activities through cross pollination and increase in yield of crops, it contributes immensely to forest conservation and It provides supplementary income to farmers, etc.
Honey is biological substance produced by the bees, collected from flowers or other plants secretions, and convert it into honey as their food. The raw honey is to be processed/ pasteurized before its use. Raw honey collected by extraction contains particles of wax, bee and plant bodies, pollen grains, dirt and other foreign materials, which trigger granulation and fermentation. Honey is one of nature's most wonderful gifts to mankind. It is a thick syrup and strong nectar derived from honeycomb that is well-known for its medicinal and health-improving properties. It has long been used in a variety of DIY remedies and alternative medical procedures due to its multiple health benefits. The unique sweetness and depth of flavour of honey make it a favourite ingredient for a variety of dishes and feasts throughout the world. In fact, in some cultures, especially in India, it is the first natural sweetener given to newborns because of its purity. This thick, sweet nectar has long been a staple of our diet and is one of the healthiest and purest sugar substitutes. Honey never expires, but it can crystallise over time. If this occurs, place the honey jar in a pot of warm water until the honey liquefies again.
“Raw honey" is a completely unadulterated, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and unprocessed form of honey. It is a sweet syrup that is produced from the honeycomb, which is essentially floral nectar that honeybees collect and then store in the honeycomb. Raw honey is the nectar that is released as a result of the breaking of the honeycomb that is removed from the beehive. The beekeeper simply filters it to remove any debris or impurities. As a result, it appears opaque or foggy but is safe for consumption. One of the best things about raw honey is that it is more nutrient-dense than any other type of honey. Amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes are abundant in raw honey. It also contains polyphenols, which are bioactive plant compounds that serve as antioxidants. Raw honey contains bee pollen, which is very nutrient-dense and rich in minerals and important fatty acids. It offers outstanding health advantages and reduces inflammation while enhancing liver function. Raw honey is often confused with filtered and heated organic honey, but the difference between the two is that raw honey undergoes the least amount of processing possible, meaning that no additives are added to improve the flavour, colour, or texture. Raw honey is completely pure, contains more pollen, is more nutritious, and is free from any added sugar or preservatives. Raw honey is linked to a number of remarkable health benefits. Honey has many health advantages, but its distinctive flavour and sweetness also make it an ideal addition to a range of foods. Therefore, choosing raw honey is advised if you want to be sure of getting all the health benefits.
Helps in treating cold, cough and throat issues - Honey has long been used as a powerful natural remedy for treating sore throats, colds, and coughs. Raw honey has long been used in traditional treatments and home cures. In fact, the cold-suppressing and anti-inflammatory characteristics aid in the treatment of cough and sore throat. Adding raw honey, turmeric, ginger, and lemon to your green or black tea may also help keep seasonal ailments at bay.
Helps in weight management- Honey, particularly raw honey, is an excellent sugar substitute because it has a lower glycemic index (GI) than sugar, with a moderate range of 54-59; it helps manage blood sugar levels and improves metabolism. To boost the health benefits of your tea or detox water, add raw honey to your green or black tea. Take the juice of half a lemon and mix it with one tablespoon of raw honey in a glass of warm water. The fat-burning qualities of honey aid with weight management.
Helps in treating digestive issues -Raw honey aids in the treatment of digestive issues such as diarrhoea and can heal stomach ulcers. Raw honey can also help with other digestive difficulties because of its prebiotic components, which nurture healthy bacteria and improve gut health.
Helps in reducing the risk of chronic disease-Raw honey contains around 30 bioactive compounds, antioxidants such as phenolic chemicals and organic acids. These help in reducing the risk of chronic illnesses like improving heart health, digestion, reducing edema and various others.
Helps in building immunity-The high nutritional value and antibacterial properties of raw honey help in the prevention of diseases caused by fungus, viruses, and germs.
Encourages sound sleep- Honey is best for individuals who have difficulty sleeping because it stimulates the release of melatonin, a sleep hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Processed honey, commonly referred to as commercial honey, is a form of honey that undergoes various stages of filtering, pasteurization, and processing. It is heated at a high temperature and rapidly cooled ( making it lose its nutritional properties) . It is pasteurised to eliminate all germs, improve flavour, and extend its shelf life. However, as a result of this procedure, processed honey loses some of its initial qualities and is left with fewer minerals and antioxidants. Unlike the thick, muddy texture of raw honey, it has a clear and smooth texture.
Honey is a flavour or taste sensation. It's not only delicious but also has plenty of health benefits, making it almost too good to be true. The colour and consistency of the nectar vary depending on where it is sourced and how it is processed. Both raw and processed honey is processed differently. The main difference between the two is that raw honey is merely filtered before being bottled, which means it preserves the majority of the beneficial minerals and antioxidants that naturally possess. Processed honey, on the other hand, may be subjected to a number of processes that may eliminate helpful elements such as pollen and lower its antioxidant content.
