Why in News?
The Prime Minister highlighted a 60% increase in honey production, showcasing India’s emergence as a global honey-producing leader and lauding the success of the Honey Mission in boosting rural livelihoods and exports.
About Honey Mission?
- Launched By: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME, in 2017
- Objective: Promote sustainable beekeeping, enhance farmers’ income, ensure pollination support, and foster rural entrepreneurship
Key Features:
- Skill Development: Over 50,000 beekeepers trained via CBRTI, Pune in modern apiculture techniques
- Income Generation: ₹325 crore earned from 20,000 MT honey, with ₹25 crore in exports in FY 2024–25
- Holistic Model: Supports production, processing, marketing, and digital selling (e.g., GeM portal)
- Empowerment Focus: Targets youth, tribal farmers, and women, strengthening self-reliance in rural India
About Honey Production in India?
- Ministry Involved: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of MSME
- Key Mission: Honey Mission, aimed at promoting beekeeping for income generation and self-reliance
Data Snapshot:
- Production Growth: Honey production increased from ~75,000 MT to 1.25 lakh MT over 11 years — a rise of ~60%
- Global Status: India now ranks among the top honey-producing nations globally
- Exports: In FY 2024–25, honey exports under KVIC reached ₹25 crore
Top States in Honey Entrepreneurship:
Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh are leading in honey production and rural apiculture enterprises.
Export Status:
India ranks among the top 10 honey-exporting countries globally, strengthening its position in international markets.
Organic Honey Success:
‘Sonhani’ tribal honey from Korea district, Chhattisgarh represents successful value addition, organic branding, and global outreach.