National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)

India’s honey sector is undergoing a major transformation through the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), which aims to expand scientific beekeeping across the country while strengthening its role in enhancing rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity.

What is the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission?

About the Scheme

The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Government of India to promote the overall development of scientific beekeeping and to improve the production of quality honey and other beehive products.

Sub-Schemes (Mini Missions)

NBHM is implemented through three Mini Missions (MMs):

• MM–I: Focuses on increasing honey production and scientific beekeeping practices.

• MM–II: Concentrates on post-harvest management, including processing, storage, and value addition.

• MM–III: Supports research, technology development, and innovation in beekeeping.

Implementing Agency

The Mission is implemented by the National Bee Board (NBB) under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative. It was initially allotted ₹500 crore for 2020–23 and has since been extended to 2025–26.

Objectives

The key objectives of NBHM are to:

• Promote the holistic development of India’s beekeeping industry, enhancing rural incomes and employment.

• Improve crop productivity through pollination services and increase sustainable honey production.

• Strengthen infrastructure, quality control, and traceability systems.

• Support agri-entrepreneurship, women empowerment, and cooperative development.

• Enhance technology adoption, marketing efficiency, and export competitiveness.

India’s Position in the Global Honey Sector

Ranking

As of 2024, India is the second-largest exporter of honey in the world, after China.

Major Honey-Producing States

The leading Indian states contributing to honey production include:

• Uttar Pradesh – 17%

• West Bengal – 16%

• Punjab – 14%

• Bihar – 12%

• Rajasthan – 9%

Major Export Markets

India exports honey primarily to the USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Libya.

National Bee Board (NBB)

Establishment

The National Bee Board was registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, on 19 July 2000. It was reconstituted in June 2006 under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, Agriculture & Cooperation.

Role and Functions

The primary purpose of NBB is to:

• Promote scientific beekeeping across India.

• Enhance crop productivity through organized pollination.

• Increase honey production to raise the income of farmers and beekeepers.

NBB acts as the Nodal Agency for the overall development and promotion of scientific beekeeping in the country.