Thazhakkara, Kerala: The Kallinmel Beekeeping Centre, located in Thazhakkara Panchayat and managed by Horticorp, has reached a new high after seven fruitful years — with plans now underway to establish a Honey Bee Museum on its three-acre premises.
Recognised as Kerala’s first government-backed advanced honey processing and purification unit, the centre stands out as a model of eco-friendly rural entrepreneurship. So far, it has collected and processed over 50,000 kg of honey from local beekeepers, generating a daily revenue of around ₹25,000. The processed honey is sold under the popular brand, Amrit Honey.
Announcing the expansion, MLA M S Arun Kumar revealed that the upcoming museum aims to transform the campus into a tourist hotspot. He noted that over 10,000 farmers have already benefitted from the centre, with plans now approved for a honey quality testing lab. Work on the lab is expected to commence within two months.
The centre focuses on three pillars: scientific bee cultivation, farmer support through fixed procurement prices, and value-driven marketing. With over 200 beehives — both stingless and Indian varieties — the facility produces nearly two tonnes of honey annually.
Products sold include raw honey and value-added herbal items like liquorice, Neelayamari, and traditional rice varieties. Aspiring apiculturists receive 40% subsidies for beekeeping kits, and training sessions are conducted in collaboration with agricultural officers.
Pioneering further, Horticorp has developed in-house equipment to infuse honey with fruit extracts, opening doors to unique specialty products.
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