Source: News on Air
Context: Prime Minister highlighted India’s rise as a global honey-producing leader, citing a 60% surge in production and the success of the Honey Mission.
About Honey Mission:
- Launched By: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) under the Ministry of MSME, in 2017.
- Objective: To promote sustainable beekeeping, ensure pollination support, enhance income of farmers, and strengthen rural entrepreneurship.
- Key Features:
- Skill Development: More than 50,000 beekeepers trained through CBRTI, Pune in modern apiculture.
- Income Generation: Beekeepers earned ₹325 crore from 20,000 MT honey, with ₹25 crore in exports in FY 2024–25.
- Holistic Model: Supports production, processing plants, marketing, and digital access (e.g., selling on GeM portal).
- Empowerment Focus: Engages youth, tribal farmers, and women, boosting self-reliance.
About Honey Production in India:
- Ministry Involved: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of MSME.
- Key Mission: Honey Mission – launched to promote beekeeping as a tool for income and self-reliance.
- Data Snapshot:
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- Honey production has risen from ~75,000 MT to 1.25 lakh MT in the last 11 years (~60% growth).
- India now ranks among the top honey-producing countries globally.
- In FY 2024–25, honey exports under KVIC touched ₹25 crore.
- Top States in Honey Entrepreneurship: Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Export Status: India is among the top 10 honey exporters
- Organic Honey Success: Tribal honey like ‘Sonhani’ from Korea district (Chhattisgarh) showcases value addition and global outreach.
