–By Anna Fitter for Smart Village Movement Entrepreneurship Series
The Sweet Buzz on Meghalaya Honey and the Beekeeping Mission
Smart Village Movement, January 18, 2024
Le Organica Wild Honey
Introduction:
Did you know that archaeologists have found honey packed in pots in ancient Egyptian tombs to accompany Pharaohs in the afterlife that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible? Honey’s natural composition, including low water content and pH levels, creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria and microorganisms. No wonder then that it’s considered a natural but potent wound healer. For centuries, honey has been used as a natural remedy for wounds and burns due to its antimicrobial properties, which help prevent infections and provide a protective barrier for the skin.
Of course, in modern times, this is of secondary importance. Honey is a superfood that offers antioxidant properties, aids digestion, boosts energy, and supports the immune system. Its natural sugars provide a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Honey also possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, promoting overall well-being.
This is a significant win for the honey industry, particularly for beekeepers in Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India where beekeeping is a vital agricultural practice contributing to the local economy and biodiversity.
Smart Village Movement at Le Organica Farm:
SVM Team at LeOrganica Farms
Image Source: SVM
SVM has a strong interest in promoting and supporting entrepreneurship for sustainable development. To achieve this, we embarked on a project to explore beekeeping in Meghalaya and support farmers with market linkages, open innovation, and brand development. The Smart Village Movement team was invited to a honey-tasting session at the renowned Le Organica farm in December. The farm is home to around 50 bee colonies, with approximately 10,000 bees working hard to produce some of the world’s most delicious honey! During our visit, we met with Srujan Kotum , the founder of Le Organica, who left a corporate career and urban living for Shillong to pursue this passion.
Read more about Srujan’s inspiring journey to apiculture and farming here.
Le Organica Farm in Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya
Image Source: SVM
Nestled on a scenic 3-acre farmland situated on a hill abundant with diverse flora and pineapple plants is where we discover the delightful Meghalaya honey and the fascinating world of beekeeping. Le Organica rears and aids in the conservation of the Apis Cerana Indica (Southeast Bees) local or Native Bees, smaller in size than the Western Bees (Apis Mellifera). Their honey is distinctive for its rich flavor and aroma. The bees collect nectar from various wildflowers and plants, resulting in a unique blend of floral notes that is a feast for the senses. Each spoonful seems to convey a different tale and takes you on a journey through the unspoiled forests of Meghalaya.
Purity and Ethical Practices:
Meghalaya honey is esteemed in India for its unique floral diversity, resulting in distinct flavors. The region’s pristine environment and traditional beekeeping methods contribute to its exceptional purity and quality.
A groundbreaking report from the Center for Science & Environment in 2020, revealed that 10 out of 13 major honey brands in India were using rice and sugar syrups imported from China. This shook the honey market and prompted Le Organica to pivot towards a new standard of transparency, purity, and ethical sourcing. They aim to provide consumers with not just honey but trust in every jar.
This report was not just a matter of market dynamics for Le Organica. Instead, it was a call to action that aligned with their commitment to integrity and ethical practices, and they decided to pivot and set a new standard in the honey industry.
The revelation that their honey held higher value due to its purity and exquisite depth of flavor, than their competitors and its current price point spurred Le Organica to rethink, repackage, and reimagine their entire approach.
“Our objective was not just to survive, but to become a beacon of transparency, purity, and ethical sourcing. The report prompted us to reflect on our practices and fueled our determination to provide consumers not just with honey but also with trust in every jar.” explains Srujan.
Le Organica is committed to supporting the agricultural sector in Meghalaya by promoting indigenous produce and providing a platform for local farmers to sell their products. As a recognition of their hard work, smaller farmers are offered the support they need to grow their small businesses. Additionally, they provide employment opportunities to the local youth and train them in business practices.
He adds, “As we grew our business, we categorized our products into food, wellness, and ethical practices. Each product showcased Meghalaya’s biodiversity. Le Organica became a movement, blending commerce and conscience.”
Le Organica Wild Honey
Image Source:SVM
To shop online for Le Organica Wild Honey along with other products and get a taste of Meghalaya honey yourself click here. For Corporate inquiries or bulk orders worldwide contact us at info@smartvillagemovement.org
Some aspects of beekeeping that make Meghalaya honey special include:
Indigenous Bee Species: Meghalaya is home to various indigenous bee species, including the Indian honeybee (Apis cerana) and the rock bee (Apis dorsata). These species are well-adapted to the local climate and vegetation.
Traditional Beekeeping Practices: Many beekeepers in Meghalaya follow traditional and sustainable beekeeping practices. Traditional hives made of bamboo or wooden logs are commonly used. Beekeepers often rely on age-old knowledge passed down through generations.
Wooden BeeHive Box
Image Source:SVM
Honey Varieties: The diverse flora in Meghalaya contributes to the production of a variety of honey types. Honey produced in the region may have unique flavors and medicinal properties depending on the nectar collected from different flowering plants.
Market Significance: In 2023, the Indian honey market reached a valuation of INR 25.2 Billion. Meghalaya Honey, situated in the Eastern Himalayan Region, stands out in the market, gaining high acceptance and value for its connection to the esteemed Himalayan region.
Cultural Significance: Beekeeping is not only a source of income but also holds cultural significance in Meghalaya. It is integrated into the local customs and traditions, and honey may be used in religious ceremonies or festivals.
Challenges: Despite its importance, beekeeping in Meghalaya faces challenges such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. These factors can impact bee populations and honey production.
Government Initiatives: Meghalaya’s State Apiculture Mission, launched under the IBDLP, aims to reduce poverty, generate employment, and promote livelihoods by educating beekeepers and promoting honey cultivation. The government is urging farmers to adopt organic methods to protect the environment and bees from fatal pesticides.
Potential for Eco-tourism: Beekeeping activities in Meghalaya, with its scenic landscapes and diverse flora, have the potential to attract eco-tourists interested in sustainable agriculture and local biodiversity.
Community Involvement: Beekeeping often involves the active participation of local communities. Collaborative efforts, community-based organizations, and self-help groups may play a crucial role in the development of beekeeping in the region.
Apiculture
Advancing Apiculture in the State: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission (MFEC) and the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) during the 2023 Stakeholder Conference on Promoting Apiculture in the North East. The MoU aims to promote collaboration for the advancement of apiculture in Meghalaya, leading to innovative techniques and practices, capacity building, and skill enhancement. Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma acknowledged the significance of apiculture in Meghalaya’s agricultural landscape and remarked, “Such a large-scale conference of stakeholders is unprecedented in the North East where we are joined by experts ranging from scientists to farmers and entrepreneurs, all of whom are actively contributing to the collective commitment towards harnessing the potential of this industry.”
Varieties of Honey for Sale
SVM Role in Supporting Entrepreneurship: Sustainable beekeeping is an integral part of Meghalaya’s culture, environment, and economy. By supporting sustainable practices in all forms of innovations, agriculture, and commerce, we can contribute to biodiversity conservation and the well-being and empowerment of local communities. Smart Village Movement is committed to bringing concrete and positive socio-economic impact in rural India, especially in our pilot state of Meghalaya, and looks forward to collaborating with entrepreneurs and farmers to support them with a platform, innovations, and market linkages and over time, contribute to their success and Meghalaya’s economy.
About Smart Village Movement: www.smartvillagemovement.org
For your interest in beekeeping and further reading, please visit this resource:
SVM Platform>Resources- Search “Apiculture”
https://platform.smartvillagemovement.org/application/region-resources
Info Source:
Le Organica Team