‘Sweet Revolution’ Propels India’s Honey Exports

NEW DELHI — India has made a remarkable leap in the global honey market, emerging as the world’s second-largest exporter of natural honey. In the fiscal year 2023–24, India exported about 1.07 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of natural honey worth $177.55 million, a dramatic rise from its ninth-place ranking in 2020, according to an official statement issued on November 2.

This achievement is largely credited to the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) — a Central Sector Scheme launched under the government’s “Sweet Revolution” initiative. The mission aims to promote scientific beekeeping (apiculture), improve honey quality, and raise farmers’ incomes. India’s diverse agro-climatic zones make it particularly well-suited for large-scale beekeeping and honey production, fueling the country’s export momentum.

Implemented through the National Bee Board (NBB), the NBHM was originally allotted ₹500 crore for three years (FY 2020–21 to 2022–23). The program has now been extended through 2025–26, with a remaining ₹370 crore from the initial budget. To maintain quality and traceability, the government launched the Madhukranti Portal, an online system for registering and tracking honey and other bee-based products.

Beekeeping has become an important income source for rural farmers and landless laborers, fitting seamlessly into India’s Integrated Farming System. Apart from honey, it supports the production of high-value products such as beeswax, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom, creating multiple revenue streams for rural communities.

The NBHM operates through three Mini Missions:

• Mini Mission I: Enhancing crop yields through pollination and scientific beekeeping.
• Mini Mission II: Strengthening post-harvest management — including collection, processing, storage, marketing, and value addition of beehive products.
• Mini Mission III: Driving research and technology development suited to India’s diverse regional needs. (IANS)