Belagavi: Efforts to establish Jamboti honey as a recognised brand have received a fresh push, with the horticulture department submitting a proposal to the Centre under the National Horticulture Mission for setting up a honey processing centre and quality-testing laboratory in Jamboti.The move comes even as a separate Rs 5-crore action plan seeking state government approval for a comprehensive beekeeping development project remains pending.Jamboti and several neighbouring villages in Khanapur taluk, situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats, are well known for beekeeping, which provides supplementary income to many farmers in the region.To improve market access and enhance the value of locally produced honey, the department conceived the Jamboti honey brand during 2022-23. However, progress on the initiative has been slower than anticipated.In 2022, two acres of land and two buildings in Jamboti were transferred from the handlooms department to the horticulture department for the project. Plans were subsequently prepared to establish a beekeeping training centre and renovate the existing buildings. The proposal also envisages a compound wall, exhibition facility, honey processing and packaging units, quality-testing infrastructure and market-linked amenities.The department has additionally proposed developing Jamboti as a beekeeping-based tourism destination.An action plan worth around Rs 5 crore covering these facilities was submitted to the state government, but approval is still awaited. To ensure the initiative progresses, the department has now sought central assistance specifically for a honey processing centre, testing laboratory and related infrastructure.If approved, the facility will enable scientific processing, quality testing and packaging of honey, helping local producers improve quality standards and access wider markets.More than 800 farmers have enrolled in a farmer producer organisation formed to promote and market Jamboti honey. The horticulture department has distributed bee boxes to members and encouraged the production of honey, wax and other value-added bee products.Officials said the proposed centre would strengthen branding efforts and improve market access. At present, Jamboti honey is sold mainly in Belagavi and Goa, fetching between Rs 600 and Rs 800 per kg depending on quality.Deputy director of horticulture Mahantesh Murgod told TOI that the proposal had been submitted to the Centre. He added that local farmers had developed the ‘Zenkar’ honey brand, which is steadily gaining popularity in the region.
