India Rises to Second Largest Honey Exporter with $177.5M in 2023

India has officially become the second-largest exporter of honey in the world, achieving shipments of approximately 107,000 metric tonnes valued at $177.55 million during the financial year 2023-24. This significant rise is a remarkable leap from its previous position as the ninth-largest exporter in 2020, according to an official statement released on November 2, 2023.

The achievement is largely attributed to the initiatives under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), a government program aimed at promoting scientific beekeeping and enhancing the production of quality honey and other beehive products. Launched under the banner of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the NBHM was initially allocated a budget of ₹500 crore for a three-year period from FY 2020-21 to 2022-23. The scheme has since been extended for an additional three years, with a remaining budget of ₹370 crore.

Promoting Sustainable Beekeeping

The NBHM is designed to support beekeeping as an integral part of India’s agricultural landscape. The government recognizes that beekeeping not only enhances crop yields through pollination but also provides vital income sources for rural communities. Farmers and landless laborers engage in this agro-based activity, which contributes to their livelihoods by producing honey and high-value products like beeswax, bee pollen, and royal jelly.

To streamline operations and enhance traceability, the government has launched the Madhukranti portal. This online platform facilitates registration and tracking of honey and other beehive products, further supporting quality assurance and market access.

Three-pronged Approach to Beekeeping

The implementation of the NBHM involves three distinct Mini Missions. Mini Mission-I focuses on improving crop production and productivity through pollination, leveraging scientific beekeeping techniques. Mini Mission-II addresses post-harvest management, encompassing collection, processing, storage, and marketing of beehive products. This initiative aims to develop the necessary infrastructure to support these activities. Lastly, Mini Mission-III is dedicated to research and technology generation tailored to various regions across India.

The diverse agro-climatic conditions in India provide a robust foundation for the growth of beekeeping, making it a vital component of rural development and agricultural sustainability. The government’s commitment to the “Sweet Revolution” initiative highlights the importance of promoting apiculture to enhance farmers’ income and boost the economy.

As India continues to position itself as a leader in the global honey market, the ongoing support for scientific beekeeping and infrastructure development is expected to further elevate its status and contribute to the sustainable livelihoods of countless rural families.