India's rise to prominence as a world honey producer, pointing to the Honey Mission's accomplishments and a 60% increase

Regarding the Honey Mission:

Inaugurated by: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) under the Ministry of MSME, in 2017.

Aim: To encourage sustainable beekeeping, provide pollination assistance, boost farmers' income, and reinforce rural entrepreneurship.

Main Characteristics:

Skill Enhancement: Over 50,000 beekeepers educated at CBRTI, Pune in contemporary beekeeping practices.

Income Generation: Beekeepers made ₹325 crore from 20,000 MT of honey, including ₹25 crore from exports in FY 2024–25.

Holistic Framework: Facilitates production, processing facilities, marketing, and online access (e.g., selling via GeM portal).

Empowerment Emphasis: Involves young people, indigenous farmers, and women, enhancing independence.

Concerning Honey Production in India:

Ministry Involved: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), part of the Ministry of MSME.

Main Goal: Honey Mission – initiated to advocate for beekeeping as a means for earning income and achieving self-sufficiency.

Data Overview:

Honey output has increased from approximately 75,000 MT to 1.25 lakh MT over the past 11 years, showing around 60% growth.

India currently stands as one of the leading honey-producing nations worldwide.

In FY 2024–25, KVIC honey exports reached ₹25 crore.

Leading States in Honey Entrepreneurship: Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Export Status: India ranks as one of the leading 10 honey exporters.

Organic Honey Triumph: Tribal honey such as 'Sonhani' from the Korea district (Chhattisgarh) highlights enhanced value and international presence.