World Bee Day

Topics Covered: Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

May 20 is observed as World Bee Day annually.
It was on this day in 1734 that Anton Janša, the pioneer of beekeeping, was born.
The United Nations proclaimed May 20 as World Bee Day in 2017. The proposal was put forth by Slovenia.
2021 theme: “Bee Engaged – Build Back Better for Bees”.

Efforts by the government:

Government is promoting Beekeeping as part of its aim to double farmers’ income.
The Government has allocated 500 crores towards Beekeeping under the Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan.
The National Bee Board has created four modules to impart training as part of the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) and 30 lakh farmers have been trained in beekeeping. They are also being financially supported by the Government.
The Government has launched ‘Honey Mission’ as part of ‘Sweet Revolution’.
India is among the world’s top five honey producers.
Compared to 2005-06 honey production has risen by 242% and exports shot by 265%.

Significance of Beekeeping:

As per Food and Agricultural Organization database, in 2017-18, India ranked eighth in the world in terms of honey production (64.9 thousand tonnes) while China stood first with a production level of 551 thousand tonnes.
Further, beekeeping can be an important contributor in achieving the 2022 target of doubling farmer incomes.

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Discuss the significance and importance of beekeeping in India.

Sources: PIB.