The Hindu Business Line : Horticorp launches `Amruth' brand honey

SWEET VENTURE: The Agriculture Minister, Ms K.R. Gouri Amma, at the launch of Horticorp's Amruth Honey in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. - S. Mahinsha

Thiruvananthapuram , May 31

KERALA State Horticultural Products Development Corporation Ltd (Horticorp) has launched its `Amruth' brand of honey in the State.

Speaking at the launch function, the State Agriculture Minister, Ms K.R. Gouri Amma, said that introduction of value-added products such as branded honey is part of the Government's efforts to create additional income streams for farmers in the State. There is a significant market for good quality honey, both within and outside the country, she added.

As the designated State agency for various apiculture schemes launched by the Central Government, Horticorp has trained over 5,000 people in bee keeping and has also helped organise beekeepers, said Mr Ashraf Kokkur, Chairman, Horticorp. Marketing honey is, however, a new business area for the company, he added.

The company currently has the infrastructure to collect and process around 50 tonnes of honey every month, said Mr N.K. Manoj, Managing Director, Horticorp. Much of this honey is obtained from self-help groups across the State, he added. The `Amruth' brand of honey, which has obtained the Agmark certificate, will be sold through the company's network of `Haritha' vegetable stores. The company also has plans to export its branded honey, he explained.

Over the past few years, the company has been able to help beekeepers in the State increase the production of honey by 200 tonnes a year, he said. In addition to its regular training programmes in bee keeping, the company will soon introduce special training programmes exclusively for women, Mr Manoj added.

In keeping with the company's primary responsibility of procuring and distributing fruits and vegetables, Horticorp plans to start mobile vegetable and fruit stalls, said Mr Manoj. Also on the cards is an expansion of its network of `Haritha' retail outlets, he added. Similarly, the company also proposes to set up plant nurseries across the State.

The Kerala Agricultural Production Commissioner, Mr Mathew C. Kunnumkal, and the Rubber Production Commissioner, Dr A.K. Krishnakumar, also spoke on the occasion.

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