International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

The findings of the study revealed that the overall marketed surplus of honey was about 97.63 per cent and the primary marketing practices followed before the produce reaches the end consumer were packaging and labeling. Packaging of honey in glass bottles with an uncoated paper label were the most prevailing practices followed in the study area. Out of the four marketing channels identified in the study areas,Channel IV (Producer- Processing unit- Retailer- Consumer) had the highest price spread of Rs 128.73/kg as compared to Channel I (Producer- Consumer) with price spread of Rs 32.90/kg. The producers share in consumer rupee was maximum in Channel I (Producer- Consumer) and minimum in Channel IV (Producer- Processing unit- Retailer- Consumer) with a share of 92.71 per cent and 75.05 per cent respectively. Furthermore, marketing margin of retailers was high as compared to other intermediaries. The marketing efficiency of Channel I (Producer- Consumer) was found to be the most efficient channel with a score of 12.72. The study recommends strengthening of the apiculture sector in the area by integrating the beekeepers and forming a network for marketing and distribution of honey to improve the beekeeper’s profit.