The government has reduced the minimum export price (MEP) of natural honey from USD 2,000 to USD 1,400 per ton, effective immediately and valid until December 31, 2025.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), in a notification, said exports below the revised MEP will not be permitted. The move is expected to boost shipments, which stood at USD 177.52 million in 2023-24.
The key export destinations for Indian honey include the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The MEP was first introduced in March 2024 to regulate pricing and trade practices in the sector.
India’s honey production is concentrated in states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar, and Rajasthan. To further strengthen the industry, the Centre is implementing the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), aimed at promoting scientific beekeeping for holistic sectoral growth.