Implementation of National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) as a Central Sector Scheme through the National Bee Board (NBB). The mission aims to promote scientific beekeeping for holistic growth of the beekeeping industry, increasing production of honey and beehive products, while generating income and employment opportunities. The scheme provides livelihood support to farm and non-farm households and specifically focuses on women empowerment through beekeeping activities.
Infrastructure and Support Framework
Under NBHM, project-based assistance is provided to eligible Implementing Agencies (IAs) forwarded by Central/State Nodal Agencies for various activities. These include setting up Integrated Beekeeping Development Centers, honey testing laboratories, bee disease diagnostic labs, and Quality Nucleus Stock Development Centres. The mission also supports capacity building, technology demonstration, marketing, branding, value addition, and Research & Development activities.
Achievements and Production Growth
Significant infrastructure has been established under the mission, including 7 world-class honey testing laboratories, 66 mini laboratories to check adulteration, 83 honey processing units, and 90 collection, branding and packaging units that support efficient storage and marketing. Additionally, 81 Quality Nucleus Stock Development Centres have been supported for producing quality queen bees and colony multiplication.
The mission has contributed to substantial growth in honey production, which increased from 80,530 metric tons in 2014-15 to 1,51,690 metric tons in 2025-26 according to the Horticulture Crops Statistics (2nd Advance Estimates 2025-26). This represents significant progress in the beekeeping industry and agricultural productivity enhancement through pollination services.