Introduction
Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, plays a critical role in agriculture, rural development, and environmental sustainability. Bees are natural pollinators, significantly improving crop productivity and enhancing biodiversity. Honey production also serves as an additional source of income for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Recognizing the importance of beekeeping, the Government of India launched the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) in 2020 as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Initiative). The mission aims to promote scientific beekeeping, enhance honey production, and support the livelihood of beekeepers.
Beekeeping has immense potential in boosting agricultural yield, increasing rural employment, and promoting exports. With a budget allocation of ₹500 crore, NBHM seeks to transform the honey industry in India.
What is the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)?
The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a central government initiative implemented by the National Bee Board (NBB) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- It is a sub-mission under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), focusing on:
- Promoting scientific beekeeping across India.
- Increasing honey production and beekeeping-based products.
- Enhancing pollination services to boost crop yield.
- Strengthening the domestic and export market for honey.
- Ensuring quality control and certification of honey products.
Objectives of NBHM
The primary objectives of NBHM are:
A. Promotion of Scientific Beekeeping
- Encouraging farmers and entrepreneurs to adopt modern beekeeping techniques.
- Providing technical training and skill development for beekeepers.
- Establishing Beekeeping Development Centres (BDCs) for research and innovation.
B. Enhancing Honey Production and Quality
- Increasing domestic honey production to meet demand.
- Ensuring quality control and certification for Indian honey exports.
- Preventing honey adulteration by setting up honey testing labs.
C. Strengthening Market Linkages and Branding
- Promoting Brand India Honey in domestic and global markets.
- Encouraging export of Indian honey and bee products.
- Setting up Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres (IBDCs) for marketing support.
D. Environmental Sustainability and Pollination Support
- Protecting and conserving native bee species.
- Enhancing natural pollination in crops and forests.
- Supporting organic farming practices through sustainable beekeeping.
Key Features of NBHM
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched in | 2020 |
| Implemented by | National Bee Board (NBB) |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare |
| Budget Allocation | ₹500 Crore |
| Key Focus Areas | Scientific beekeeping, quality control, marketing, research |
| Target Beneficiaries | Farmers, beekeepers, FPOs, SHGs, startups |
| Key Implementing Agencies | State Governments, Agricultural Universities, ICAR, KVKs |
Components of NBHM
NBHM is implemented under three main components:
A. Institutional Framework Development
- Strengthening the National Bee Board (NBB).
- Establishing Regional & State Beekeeping Boards.
- Collaborating with research institutions and universities.
B. Capacity Building and Training
- Organizing training workshops and certification programs.
- Promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment in beekeeping.
- Supporting women’s participation in beekeeping enterprises.
C. Production, Quality Control, and Marketing
- Setting up honey processing units and testing labs.
- Ensuring honey certification and export standards.
- Encouraging cluster-based honey production for scale and efficiency.
Benefits of NBHM
A. Economic Benefits
- Additional Income for Farmers –
- Beekeeping provides a secondary source of revenue.
- Employment Generation –
- New opportunities in honey processing and marketing.
- Growth in Exports –
- India is one of the top honey exporters.
B. Agricultural Benefits
- Enhanced Pollination –
- Increased crop productivity through natural pollination.
- Sustainable Agriculture –
- Reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
C. Environmental Benefits
- Conservation of Bee Species –
- Protecting native bee populations.
- Improved Biodiversity –
- Supporting ecosystem sustainability.
Implementation Strategy
- Training & Awareness Programs for beekeepers.
- Financial Support & Subsidies for modern beekeeping equipment.
- Setting up Honey Clusters for large-scale production.
- Honey Testing and Certification for export quality standards.
Challenges in Implementation
- Lack of Awareness & Training –
- Many rural farmers are unaware of scientific beekeeping.
- Quality Control Issues –
- Honey adulteration is a growing concern.
- Pesticide Use –
- Harmful chemicals impact bee populations.
- Climate Change –
- Changes in weather patterns affect bee activity.
Government Initiatives Supporting Beekeeping
| Scheme/Initiative | Objective |
|---|---|
| Sweet Revolution | Boost honey production and branding. |
| Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) | Beekeeping as part of horticulture. |
| Agri-Export Policy, 2018 | Promotes honey exports. |
| National Horticulture Mission (NHM) | Supports beekeeping in horticulture clusters. |
Impact of NBHM
- Increase in honey production –
- India has seen a significant rise in production.
- Growth in exports –
- India exports honey to the USA, UAE, and Europe.
- Empowerment of Farmers & Women –
- Many small farmers and rural women have adopted beekeeping.
Conclusion
The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a game-changer for Indian agriculture and rural development. By promoting scientific beekeeping, enhancing honey quality, and supporting exports, NBHM plays a vital role in income generation, employment, and environmental conservation.
