Tue Mar 11 06:15:30 UTC 2025: ## National Beekeeping Conference Highlights Adulteration, Technological Advancements

**Bengaluru, March 11, 2025** – A national conference on “New Frontiers in Apiculture,” held in Bengaluru, brought to light the challenges and opportunities facing India’s beekeeping industry. The conference, organized by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UAS-B), in collaboration with several national research institutions, highlighted the issue of honey adulteration as a major hurdle to the growth of the sector.

Farmers and beekeepers from across the country shared their experiences. Narpinder Singh Dhaliwal, a successful beekeeper from Punjab, emphasized the significant price difference between adulterated honey (₹50-₹100) and pure honey (₹500-₹1,000), highlighting the economic disparity and unfair competition. L. Nagraj, a Karnataka-based beekeeper, echoed these concerns, noting that government subsidies often fail to reach the end consumers. Both underscored the importance of honey, historically a key food source, and its health benefits.

The conference also showcased technological advancements in beekeeping. Poonam Jasrotia, Assistant Director General, ICAR, New Delhi, stressed the need for improved bee genetics, vertical apiary techniques, and the integration of AI in beekeeping practices. Ajay, co-founder of Bee Precise, a company developing precision beekeeping solutions, described their efforts to combat colony collapse disorder using technology that allows remote hive monitoring. UAS-B students further demonstrated the versatility of honey by exhibiting various honey-based products, showcasing entrepreneurial potential within the industry. The conference served as a platform to address the challenges and promote innovation in the Indian beekeeping sector.

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