Why in news?
The Centre has extended the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission until 2025‑26 and highlighted its role in boosting honey production and exports. The mission supports scientific beekeeping and seeks to double income for rural households.
Background
NBHM was launched in the financial year 2020‑21 as a central sector scheme with a budget of ₹500 crore and is implemented by the National Bee Board. It aims to usher in a “sweet revolution” by promoting beekeeping as an income‑generating activity and a means to improve pollination for crops. The programme has been extended to 2025‑26 owing to its success in raising honey output to 1.4 lakh tonnes in 2024 and exports worth USD 177.55 million.
Objectives and initiatives
- Mini missions: NBHM consists of three mini missions focusing on production and productivity, post‑harvest management and marketing, and research and technology support.
- Infrastructure development: The scheme funds honey and wax processing units, quality control laboratories, bee disease diagnostic labs and apiary equipment manufacturing centres.
- Traceability and quality: The Madhukranti portal registers beekeepers and ensures traceability from hive to market, while testing labs help maintain quality and food‑safety standards.
- Honey corridors and FPOs: Plans include setting up honey‑product clusters along major highways, creating Farmer Producer Organisations and establishing a National Centre of Excellence at IIT Roorkee to train entrepreneurs.
- Capacity building: The mission provides training, skill development and hand‑holding support to farmers, women’s groups and youth to adopt scientific beekeeping practices.
Significance
- Income and employment: Beekeeping supplements farmers’ earnings and creates rural jobs, especially for women and landless labourers.
- Pollination services: Honeybees improve yields of crops such as fruits, oilseeds and pulses, contributing to food security and biodiversity.
- Export potential: India has become one of the world’s largest honey exporters; improving quality and branding will help sustain this growth.
Sources: Press Information Bureau, DD News