Meghalaya honey can rank among global best with proper marketing, says CM Sangma at Rerapara unit launch Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated an apiculture facility in Mellim, stating that the state's organic honey has the potential to become a top global earner through proper branding and scientific production. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated on Tuesday that honey produced within the state has been rated among the finest globally and possesses the potential to emerge as a major revenue generator if it undergoes proper production and marketing. The Chief Minister made these remarks while inaugurating an Apiculture Multi Facility Centre cum Processing Unit located at Mellim in the Rerapara Block of South West Garo Hills District. Strengthening the Honey Value Chain Built at an approximate cost of Rs 1.52 crore, the newly launched facility is designed to manage the entire post-harvest supply chain. This encompasses raw honey collection, processing, bottling, testing, marketing, and the manufacturing of bee boxes. The inauguration event witnessed the presence of MLAs Mehtab Chandee Sangma, Sanjay Sangma, and Subir Marak, alongside local beekeepers, self-help groups, and officials representing the Horticulture department and the district administration. Apiculture Mission 2.0 and Infrastructure Expansion The Chief Minister revealed that the state government is also evaluating the establishment of a Bee Museum and Interpretation Centre. This proposed site would serve as a retail point for organic honey and feature digital displays illustrating honey production methods for visitors. Under the ongoing Apiculture Mission 2.0, initiatives are being rolled out across all 12 districts in three distinct phases, encompassing 87 clusters and benefiting 6,491 beekeepers. Distribution efforts have successfully delivered 32,455 bee boxes and 6,491 equipment sets, ensuring each participating beekeeper receives five boxes and one equipment set. Furthermore, 39 clusters operating under Phase III yielded a total of 157.69 metric tonnes of honey during the 2024-25 period. The state has already established an Integrated Bee Development Centre at Sambrak in North Garo Hills, providing infrastructure for training, testing, processing, hive manufacturing, storage, retail, and information services. Rural Livelihoods and Strategic Priorities Sangma stressed that governmental intervention must extend beyond merely distributing bee boxes, urging that operational focus should encompass colony management, quality control, processing, packaging, branding, and organized market access. He noted that the newly launched infrastructure addresses three core priorities for Rerapara, namely rural livelihoods, connectivity, and access to essential government services. Highlighting infrastructure developments, he mentioned that a newly constructed bridge will facilitate easier travel for residents and local producers to reach markets, educational institutions, hospitals, and vital services. Sharing further details on X, the Chief Minister reiterated that implementing scientific beekeeping, stringent quality processing, packaging, and robust branding will successfully position Meghalaya's organic honey on the global map. What this means for you This infrastructure development directly impacts rural empowerment and economic growth by strengthening the agricultural supply chain in the region. • Across India: Farmers and rural cooperatives nationwide engaged in organic and cottage industries can look to such regional missions as a benchmark for scaling production. • In Meghalaya: Over 6,491 registered beekeepers across all 12 districts gain direct access to advanced processing, testing, and organized market channels to boost their household incomes. Why this happened This strategic rollout stems from the state administration's ongoing efforts to diversify rural economies and establish sustainable agro-based enterprises across remote blocks. • Adopting Scientific Methods: Transitioning from unorganized harvesting to scientific colony management ensures superior organic quality demanded by international buyers. • Mission Scaling: Expanding Apiculture Mission 2.0 across all 12 districts systematically addresses infrastructural gaps in processing, testing, and packaging. Questions & Answers 1. Which new facility was inaugurated in Rerapara? An Apiculture Multi Facility Centre cum Processing Unit was inaugurated at Mellim in Rerapara Block. 2. What was the construction cost of the new apiculture centre? The centre was built at a cost of about Rs 1.52 crore. 3. How many districts are covered under Apiculture Mission 2.0? The mission is being rolled out across all 12 districts of the state. 4. How many beekeepers are supported by the mission? The initiative currently supports 6,491 beekeepers across 87 clusters. 5. How much honey was produced by Phase III clusters in 2024-25? The 39 clusters under Phase III produced 157.69 metric tonnes of honey during the 2024-25 period. https://trendkia.com/en/meghalaya/meghalaya-ka-honey-duniya-men-sarvashreshtha-banane-ki-raha-para-conrad-sangma-ne-rerapara-men-processing-unit-ka-kiya-udghatana-49776 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.