Honey Production In India: Beekeeping and Government Initiatives

Discover insights on honey production in India, including major honey-producing states, government initiatives, export trends, and the role of beekeeping in rural livelihoods and agriculture.

Table of Contents

Context: PM Narendra Modi highlighted the transformative journey of India’s honey industry over the past decade.

Honey Production in India

Annual Production: India produced approximately 1,46,000 metric tonnes (MT) of honey (as per the 3rd advance estimate for 2023–24).
Exports in FY24:
- Volume: 1,07,963.21 MT
- Value: USD 177.52 million
Top Export Destinations: USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Libya.
Key Honey-Producing States:
- Uttar Pradesh: 17%
- West Bengal: 16%
- Punjab: 14%
- Bihar: 12%
- Rajasthan: 9%
Global Ranking:
- India: 7th largest producer and exporter of honey.
- China: World’s largest producer and exporter.

Initiatives to Boost Honey Production in India

Honey Mission Programme

Launched by: Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
Year of Launch: 2017–18
Objective: To promote beekeeping and generate self-employment for farmers, tribal communities, and unemployed youth, particularly in remote and economically backward regions.
Support Provided: Beneficiaries receive bee boxes, live bee colonies, beekeeping tool kits, and training.

National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM)

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
Implemented By: National Bee Board (NBB)
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Aim: To promote scientific beekeeping across India and achieve the goal of the ‘Sweet Revolution’.

Case Study: Sonhani Organic Honey – Korea District, Chhattisgarh

Product: ‘Sonhani’ – a pure, organic honey made from forest flowers.
Produced By: Tribal farmers in Korea district.
Support: The project is funded by the District Mineral Fund.
Farmer Training: Ten farmers were selected and trained at specialized beekeeping hubs.

Fact

World Bee Day: Celebrated every year on May 20 to raise awareness about the importance of bees and beekeeping.

UPSC PYQ (2025)

Q. Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022–23:

India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India.
Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric producing States in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) I and II only

(b) II and III only

(d) I, II and III