SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Institutions: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at promoting scientific beekeeping for the holistic growth of the apiculture sector, often referred to as the “Sweet Revolution”. The mission is currently being implemented by the National Bee Board (NBB) with a total budget outlay of ₹500 crore, extended through FY 2025-26. NBHM is crucial as beekeeping is an agro-based activity that plays a vital role in crop pollination, directly enhancing yields and providing high-value products to boost farmers’ income.
The NBHM operates through three Mini Missions (MMs):
MM-I: Focuses on productivity improvement of various crops through pollination-assisted scientific beekeeping.
MM-II: Concentrates on post-harvest management of beehive products, including processing, storage, marketing, and developing necessary infrastructure.
MM-III: Centers on research and technology generation tailored for different regions and socio-economic conditions.
Key achievements include India becoming the second-largest exporter of honey globally as of Marketing Year 2024, up from the 9th rank in 2020. The Madhukranti portal has been launched to facilitate online registration and ensure the traceability of the source of honey and other bee products. Infrastructure sanctioned includes six Honey Testing Labs, 26 Honey Processing Units, and the formation of 97 Beekeepers’ Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to date.
This mission integrates ecological services (pollination) with rural economic development and export potential, transitioning beekeeping from an informal practice into a structured, technology-driven industry that directly supports farmers’ income, agricultural sustainability, and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
What is Scientific Beekeeping (Apiculture)? → Scientific beekeeping, or apiculture, is the systematic, organized management of honeybee colonies using modern knowledge and practices, such as specialized beehives, disease diagnostic labs, and processing units. The goal is to maximize the economic, ecological, and social benefits, specifically by increasing honey quality and production while efficiently utilizing bees for crop pollination to boost agricultural output.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the newly launched Madhukranti portal and the enforcement of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) be leveraged to enhance consumer trust in the quality and traceability of Indian honey in major export markets?
Follow the full news here: National Beekeeping Mission