Abstract— This study investigates the economic profitability of honey production in the Ramban, Kathua, and Jammu districts of Jammu Division, J&K, highlighting its potential as a sustainable livelihood. Using a stratified sampling approach, 200 beekeepers across high-, medium-, and low-density districts were surveyed to collect data on production costs, returns, socio-economic variables, and constraints. The analysis revealed significant inter-district variation in performance. Ramban district emerged as the most productive, yielding 7,196 quintals of honey and 486.6 quintals of beeswax, and the most profitable, with gross returns of ₹17,864.52 per quintal and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 10.05. Kathua and Jammu districts also showed positive, though lower, profitability. The study concludes that apiculture is a highly profitable venture in the region, with an aggregate BCR of 7.95. Strategic interventions—including improved market access, value addition, cooperative models, and policies to reduce cost-price spreads—are recommended to enhance profitability and sustainability across all districts.
Gupta et al. (Sat,) studied this question.