The initiative of the Chhattisgarh government to fix the minimum support price for even forest products has given honey collectors from the primitive tribal group earn Rs 31 lakh in the last fiscal (2022-23).

According to Bilaspur divisional forest officer Kumar Nishant, the primitive tribal group of Baigas are the major beneficiary of this scheme.

“Earlier, they used to sell honey through middlemen at throwaway prices. But with the MSP fixed at Rs 250 per kg, they have managed to increase their livelihood and earned a total of Rs 31 lakh in 2022-23. Over 1,000 Baigas (considered a particularly vulnerable tribal group relying mostly on shifting cultivation) are the beneficiaries of this initiative,” Nishant said.

“The raw honey collected from forest areas of different districts is brought to the Kanan Pendari Honey Processing Centre in Bilaspur district. The centre’s pure and delicious honey can be purchased at Sanjeevani sales centres and C-Mart across Chhattisgarh, attracting a wide range of customers,” a communique issued by the Chhattisgarh chief minister’s office stated.

The Kanan Pendari Honey Processing Centre, managed by the Forest Produce Co-Operative District Union ofthe Bilaspur forest division, was established in 2006-07. Honey collectors from various areas, including Belgahna, Khudia, Kota, Katghora, Korba, Dharamjaygarh and Marwahi in Bilaspur circle, bring raw honey to the centre for processing.

The raw honey collectors from the tribal community have undergone training on “non-destructive methods of honey collection” conducted by Gramopayogi Vigyan Kendra situated in Maharashtra’s Wardha. The training is aimed at increasing honey production and boosting income.

“The Kanan Pendari HPC is renowned for its exceptional qualities. The honey produced is completely natural and free from adulteration. Each season offers a distinct flavour profile, with benefits ranging from heart health to immunity boosters and weight management,” the communique added.

The processing centre utilises a machine with a capacity of 300 kg/day, filtering the honey and reducing the moisture content to 18–19 per cent for better quality, an official said.

“After processing, the honey is stored for 21 days to settle before being packed in various bottle sizes... These products are then distributed to Sanjeevani sales centres and C-Mart. The Kanan Pendari HPC prioritises purity by conducting tests to ensure there is no adulteration and checking the moisture levels using a refractometer,” the official added.

The honey is also sold through e-commerce portals like Amazon and Flipkart.

The Kanan Pendari HPC obtained a licence to process organic raw material in 2021–22, and it adheres to organic regulations in the collection, processing and packaging of honey.

The HPC is currently undergoing an export certification process for international shipments. There is a plan in motion to export honey overseas.