Sweet revolution: Farmers vie for economic independence via honey
Raipur: In the serene and eco-rich district of Koriya district in Chhattisgarh's Surguja division, a quiet revolution is unfolding—led not by machines, but by Italian honeybees and the hard work of local farmers.
The result- 'Sonahani', a new brand of pure, organic honey that's not just creating a buzz in markets but is also empowering rural livelihoods.
This transformative journey began in Dec 2024, when District Collector Chandan Tripathi initiated the honey production project under a convergence of the district administration, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and local farmers. Under her guidance, 20 selected farmers were sent to Kurukshetra, Haryana, to receive intensive training at the Integrated Beekeeping Development Centre.
The selection of these farmers was not arbitrary. KVK conducted field surveys considering flower availability, organic cultivation areas, and farmer interest. Post-training, each participant received 25 beehive boxes, now home to imported Italian bees from Jharkhand—known for their high honey yield and superior quality.
'Sonahani' stands apart as 100% organic, free of additives, artificial sugar, or colours.
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Depending on the floral source, its colour and taste vary—light honey from orange blossoms, and rich amber hues from wild forest flowers. The average annual yield per hive ranges from 30 to 50 kilograms.
Koriya district already enjoys a reputation for organic farming. Its pollution-free atmosphere and floral biodiversity provide an ideal environment for beekeeping. According to senior agricultural scientist Kamlesh Singh, the October–March window is especially suitable for beekeeping activities.
Farmers have been equipped with extractor machines for honey collection and have also received free mustard, coriander, and Niger seeds to support pollination.
Women's self-help groups have taken on packaging duties, creating additional livelihood avenues. A 300g jar of Sonahani honey is priced at Rs 175 in the local market.
This isn't just honey from cultivated flowers. It's infused with nectar from mahua, palash, arjuna, neem, harra, and bahera—trees known for their medicinal properties, making Sonahani rich in minerals and antioxidants.
Within the first two months—Dec 2024 to Jan 2025—farmers sold approximately Rs 30,000 worth of honey at local markets and the Bihan Mela, with profits shared equally among them.
The initiative is backed by the District Mineral Trust Fund, aiming to bolster farmer incomes and sustainable livelihoods.
Collector Chandan Tripathi expressed her confidence in the project, stating: "Our goal is to make farmers economically self-reliant.
Sonahani will become a symbol of purity and give Koriya a new identity in the organic honey market."
As this initiative gains traction, plans are already underway to scale production, explore national markets, and expand participation to more villages.
With the fusion of perseverance, environment, and innovation of the farmers, Sonahani is not just a product—it's a movement.
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