New Legislation Sets Minimum Floor for Honey Exports, Prioritizing Market Stability Over Beekeeper Incomes

The Government of India has established a Minimum Export Price (MEP) for natural honey at $1,400 per tonne, which will remain in effect until December 31, 2026. This decision marks a decrease from the previous MEP of $2,000 set in March 2024 and further adjusted in August 2025. The rationale behind this policy is to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian honey amidst a stagnant international market, as evidenced by export figures showing India exported approximately 114,570 tonnes valued at $206.47 million in 2025-26.

For common citizens and market stakeholders, this policy has mixed implications. While the MEP aims to maintain market access for exporters, it does not guarantee better prices for beekeepers. In fact, reports indicate that beekeepers are currently receiving lower prices for honey—approximately ₹85 per kg for mustard honey in Punjab—compared to previous years. This suggests that the benefits of higher export numbers may not trickle down effectively to those at the grassroots level, raising concerns about the sustainability of beekeeping livelihoods.

Looking ahead, policymakers face the challenge of bridging the gap between export performance and the financial well-being of beekeepers. To truly ascertain the MEP’s effectiveness, additional measures need to be implemented to track price dynamics throughout the supply chain. Models such as Haryana’s Bhavantar Bharpai scheme, which offers protected pricing for farmers, could serve as a reference point. Future strategies should not only focus on export values but also aim to provide comprehensive data on procurement prices and producer margins to ensure that the interests of beekeepers are adequately addressed.

Source: The Hindu

(Expert Note: This report was independently prepared by the Wealthova Economy team.)