MARKETING PATTERN AND EFFICIENCY OF HONEY PRODUCTION IN PUNJAB

The present study was carried out to highlight the socio-economic profile of the beekeepers, to identify different supply chain systems of honey disposal and to examine the efficiency of honey marketing in Punjab. The results revealed that the increase in the education level, experience in beekeeping and available area for bee colonies were favourable for the increased production of honey. The overall net return was '929.35 which was highest for large beekeepers ('1712.95). The supply chain analysis revealed that the sale of honey through the commission agent was highest for medium beekeepers. It was also observed that at the overall level the commission agent had the highest share in the purchase of honey. The marketing efficiency was higher for Supply Chain-IV (Producer. Consumer) but, the highest quantity flow through the Supply Chain-I (Producer. Commission Agent. Exporter). The study revealed that the constraints faced by the beekeeper on account of regulated honey market followed by technical training and storage of honey.