Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Apr 15 : With spring at its peak, Acacia honey is silently flourishing in Kashmir as beekeepers produce this quality honey in large quantities to meet the demand.
As per the news agency, known for its delicate flavour and medicinal properties, acacia honey production has surged in the region over the years, presenting both economic opportunities and environmental benefits.
Local beekeepers, equipped with traditional methods passed down through generations, are actively involved in harvesting this golden elixir.
Among the beekeepers is Mudasir Ahmad of Tangmarg who returns to Kashmir during the Spring season with his bee colonies to produce and harvest acacia honey.
Every Spring , he harvests almost 150 kilograms of acacia honey to sell it worldwide. “Acacia honey is very rare due to which it has got a huge demand in local, national and international markets. I spend my winters in Rajasthan and Gujarat with my bee colonies to produce honey. During the Spring season, I return to Kashmir for acacia honey,” he said.
Like Mudasir, scores of the beekeepers in Kashmir are currently harvesting acacia honey to sell it on various e-commerce platforms.
“Beekeeping has grown as a profession in Kashmir for the last few years. Our beekeepers produce different varieties of quality honey including the Himalayan Manuka Honey, Wildflower Honey, Acacia Honey, and Saffron Honey. Himalayan Manuka Honey is produced from jungle bees, not bee farms,” said Saleem Ahmad Bhat.
Given the immense demand for acacia honey, he said this honey is produced in Kashmir in large quantities. “Almost 90 percent of the beekeepers in Kashmir are associated with acacia honey. Conveniently, acacia honey remains liquid longer and crystallizes much slower than traditional honey. Because it abstains from solidifying for longer, this honey is highly popular,” Bhat said.
Officials from the agriculture department said that the valley is emerging as a hub for acacia honey production. “The acacia trees, abundant in the Kashmir valley, provide the perfect nectar source for honeybees during the spring season. This natural abundance has transformed Kashmir into a hub for high-quality acacia honey production,” an official said.
