People jubilant, say it will further boost the product
India has immense potential to become winter tourism destination
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Nov 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the honey production which was 76,000 metric tons 11 years ago has now gone up to 1.5 lakh metric tons as he referred to Sulai honey produced in Ramban district of the Jammu region which has received the GI tag.
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“Honey production in the country was 76,000 metric tons 11 years ago which has now increased to more than 1.5 lakh metric tons. Honey exports have also increased more than three-fold during last few years. Under the Honey Mission programme, Khadi Gramodyog has distributed more than 2.25 lakh bee-boxes among the people,” Modi said in his monthly Mann Ki Baat Radio Address, which is aired on last Sunday of the month.
He said in the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir, honeybees produce a unique honey from wild basil, which is also known as Sulai.
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“This honey, white in colour, is called Ramban Sulai honey. Few years ago, Ramban Sulai honey received the GI tag. After that, this honey has been gaining recognition across the country,” the Prime Minister said.
Sulai honey is believed to be nutritious and strong antioxidant. The bees forage on the nectar of snow-white blossoms of Sulai during the month of August to October to produce the well-rounded, naturally sweet honey with floral undertones.
It is also called Acacia honey as it is produced by bees (Apis mellifera) fed on Acacia flowers produced in Ramban district. The wild flora lends a unique taste and texture to the honey.
Sulai honey was awarded GI tag in 2021.
People especially those engaged in production of Sulai honey in Ramban district were jubilant as the Prime Minister made a mention of it in his Mann Ki Baat address. They were of the view that this will make Sulai honey further popular across the country and give boost to the product.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said that India has immense potential to become a major destination for winter tourism.
He said that while fewer than 2,000 tourists visited Adi Kailash until three years ago, this number has now increased to over 30,000.
“Several countries have built successful tourism models around winter sports and activities such as skiing, snowboarding, trekking and ice climbing. India, with its diverse landscapes and mountain regions, is well-positioned to develop similar opportunities,” Modi.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to consider the Himalayas when planning vacations, as the region offers memorable experiences during the winter season.
“During these winter days, the Himalayan valleys become a part of an experience that lasts a lifetime. If you are planning a trip this winter, be sure to keep the Himalayan valleys in mind,” he said.
Agencies added: In the 128th episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reflected on the many sources of inspiration India experienced in November, weaving together themes of unity, progress, and cultural richness.
He began by recalling key national events, including the Constitution Day program at the Central Hall, the 150th anniversary celebrations of the national song Vande Mataram, the hoisting of the Dharmadhwaja flag at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and the inauguration of the Panchajanya Memorial at Jyotisar in Kurukshetra-symbols of India’s enduring heritage and shared resolve.
“The month of November brought along many inspirations. Just a few days ago, on the 26th of November, a special program was organized in the Central Hall on ‘Constitution Day.’ The 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram marked a grand beginning to nationwide programs. On the25th of November, the Dharmadhwaja was hoisted at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. On the same day, the Panchajanya Memorial was inaugurated at Jyotisar in Kurukshetra,” he said.
PM Modi praised India’s strides in science and technology, spotlighting the inauguration of the world’s largest aircraft engine maintenance facility in Hyderabad, the induction of INS Mahe into the Indian Navy, and the launch of Skyroot’s Infinity Campus, which exemplify the country’s youthful innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Our progress is driven by the dedication of our youth, who are propelling India towards self-reliance and global leadership,” he said.
Agriculture received special mention with the Prime Minister announcing a historic record of 357 million tonnes of food grain production-an increase of 100 million tonnes in the past decade.
“The country has also achieved a major milestone in the agricultural sector. India has set a historic record with food grain production of 357 million tonnes. Three hundred and fifty-seven million tonnes! Compared to 10 years ago, India’s food grain production has increased by a 100 million tones,” he lauded.
The dedication of India’s youth is the greatest strength of ‘Viksit Bharat’, Modi said citing recent achievements across diverse sectors ranging from space manufacturing to farming.
The Prime Minister listed the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, the Constitution Day celebration at the Central Hall, and the hoisting of ‘Dharmadhwaja’ atop the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya among the inspirational developments in November.
He also highlighted the inauguration of the world’s largest LEAP engine MRO facility in Hyderabad and the induction of INS ‘Mahe’ into the Indian Navy.
“Just last week, Skyroot’s Infinity Campus gave a new boost to India’s space ecosystem. This is a reflection of India’s new thinking, innovation, and youth power,” PM Modi said in the 128th episode of his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address.
PM Modi referred to a video on social media of a unique drone competition organised by ISRO.
“In this video, the youth of our country, especially our Gen-Z, were trying to fly drones in conditions similar to Mars,” he said, adding that the youth were trying to fly drones solely with the help of cameras and in-built software in the absence of GPS support on Mars.
PM Modi recalled that the young team tasted success after several rounds of failure when the drone crashed.
He said the scientists at ISRO too were disappointed when the Chandrayaan-2 lost contact, but built upon the failure to finally succeed with Chandrayaan-3.
“It was the success of the new confidence built after coming out of failure. I saw that same spark in the eyes of the young people seen in this video,” he said.
“Every time I see the dedication of our youth and the spirit of commitment of our scientists, my heart fills up with enthusiasm. This dedication of the youth is one of the greatest strengths of Viksit Bharat,” the Prime Minister said.
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