Relevance for UPSC: GS Paper III – Agriculture, Environment & Sustainable Development
Source: Press Information Bureau; National Bee Board

India’s journey from the Green Revolution to a “Sweet Revolution” is being powered by millions of tiny pollinators — bees. The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), launched in 2020 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, aims to promote scientific beekeeping (apiculture) as a driver of farmers’ income, crop productivity, and biodiversity conservation.
It is a 100% centrally funded scheme that seeks to make beekeeping a cornerstone of India’s sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

Mission Structure and Focus Areas

Implemented by the National Bee Board (NBB), the NBHM has three key components:

1. Mini Mission I – Production and Productivity
   Focuses on increasing pollination efficiency and expanding bee colonies to enhance crop output.
2. Mini Mission II – Post-Harvest and Value Addition
   Supports honey processing, wax and pollen extraction, packaging, branding, and marketing of bee products.
3. Mini Mission III – Research, Technology, and Training
   Encourages innovation in apiculture research, bee-disease management, and establishment of Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres (IBDCs) and honey-testing laboratories.

Key Facts:

• Implemented by: Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India
• Outlay: ₹500 crore (2020–23)
• 300+ projects approved across states under Phases I & II
• Focus on traceability, disease-diagnostic labs, and training for women beekeepers

Why Beekeeping Matters

• Pollination & Food Security: Bees boost the yield and quality of major crops, ensuring food and nutritional security.
• Livelihoods: A low-cost, high-return activity that supports small farmers, tribals, and landless workers.
• Environmental Benefits: Promotes biodiversity, strengthens ecosystem balance, and aids natural regeneration.
• Global Alignment: Advances SDG 8, SDG 12, and SDG 15.
• Eco-Resilience: Restores pollinator populations, enhancing long-term crop and climate resilience.
• Export & Women Empowerment: India is among the top five honey producers; rising global demand and women-led enterprises are expanding rural income sources.

The NBHM represents a holistic development model that integrates ecology, economy, and technology. By combining scientific innovation with local livelihoods, it supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and reinforces India’s path toward climate-smart agriculture and sustainable growth.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Which of the following statements about the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) are correct?

1. It is a centrally funded scheme implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture.
2. It promotes scientific apiculture, honey-testing laboratories, and bee-disease diagnostic centres.
3. It is administered by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission.

Select the correct code:
A. 1 and 2 only  B. 2 and 3 only  C. 1 and 3 only  D. All three

Answer: A