Chinese honey gives local traders run for money

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 20

On World Honeybee Day today, beekeepers have expressed serious concern over the entry of “Chinese honey” popularly known as syrup in the market. Sold at half the rate as compared to Indian honey, this product is eating into the profits of the local beekeeper.

Expressing concern over the issue, Simranjeet Singh, president of the Progressive Beekeepers’ Association, said they have even submitted a memorandum to prime minister in this regard and want that a high leek committee should be formed to check the authenticity of this Chinese honey.

“Chinese honey is sold at Rs 50 per kg while the price of the authentic Indian honey starts from Rs 100 onwards. This honey is imported by the private companies, packaged and sold by them. It does not have any specific packaging and is bought loose by big private companies,” he said.

Simranjeet added that it was in fact a syrup or artificial honey which had no traces of real honey and could prove harmful for health. Real honey is a blessing while this is the exact opposite, he said.

He further said beekeeping should be kept out of the GST and it should be included under agriculture.

“In addition to this, we want that honey bee research centres should be opened in Punjab and other states so that the quality and breed of honey can be improved,” he added.

The beekeepers also demanded that a price should be fixed for the sale of honey and the state governments should be given instructions for the sale and promotion of honey.