KVIC Rural Entrepreneurship Initiatives
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), is supporting the transformation of traditional rural skills into viable business opportunities through various intervention programs. The initiatives include Khadi Vikas Yojana (KVY), Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (GVY), and the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which provide training, financial assistance, improved tools and technology, and market support to rural entrepreneurs.
Honey Mission Program Metrics
One of the prominent initiatives is the Honey Mission launched in 2017 to promote scientific beekeeping. Between 2017-18 and 2025-26, KVIC distributed approximately 246,000 bee boxes and bee colonies across the country, resulting in around 5,500 metric tonnes of honey production during 2025-26 alone. The program creates livelihood opportunities for farmers, tribal communities, and unemployed youth through beekeeping training and equipment provision.
Entrepreneur Success Stories
Three successful entrepreneurs demonstrate KVIC's impact: Shri T. Ajin from Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, operates Marthandam Honey Products producing AGMARK-certified honey and honey blended with dry fruits. He trains farmers from economically weaker sections and SC/ST communities in modern beekeeping practices. Shri B. Sundaraj received support under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana during 2024-25 for his Pure Health Herbal Agarbathi Unit, which produces Agarbathi, herbal products, Vetiver Agarbathi and Vetiver Samburani. Shri M. Murugesan operates Om Banana Craft Private Limited, a Banana Fibre Fancy Articles Making Unit under PMEGP that converts agricultural waste into value-added products, earning him Central and State Government awards.
Program Impact and Reach
The initiatives support entrepreneurs across multiple states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and North-Eastern States. Beyond honey production, beekeeping contributes to pollination, creating linkages between beekeeping, agriculture, and biodiversity. The programs help preserve traditional skills while creating new economic opportunities, transforming local resources into value-added products and individual skills into wider livelihoods.