The National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting the holistic growth of the beekeeping industry in India. It supports income and employment generation while enhancing agricultural and horticultural productivity through pollination. The mission also focuses on infrastructure development, technology upgradation, and skill development in beekeeping, along with empowering women and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Objectives
The key objectives of NBHM include:
- Industry Growth & Livelihood Support:
Enhancing beekeeping for increased income and employment for farm and non-farm households, thereby boosting agriculture/horticulture production. - Infrastructure & Quality Development:
Establishing quality nucleus stock of honeybees, bee breeders’ facilities, diagnostic labs, Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres (IBDCs), Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and beekeeping equipment manufacturing units. - Postharvest & Marketing Infrastructure:
Setting up honey processing plants, storage facilities, branding, and marketing centers. - Quality Control & Traceability:
Developing state-of-the-art quality control labs and blockchain/traceability systems for honey and beehive products. - Honey Corridors & Technology:
Facilitating honey corridors in potential areas and promoting IT tools for beekeeping, including online registration. - Entrepreneurship & Start-ups:
Encouraging agri-entrepreneurs and start-ups to engage in beekeeping and honey production. - Women Empowerment:
Empowering women through beekeeping activities. - Product Diversification:
Promoting the production of high-quality honey and other beehive products (bee wax, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, comb honey, bee venom, etc.) for domestic and export markets. - Institutional Strengthening:
Developing institutional frameworks through the formation of SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives, and federations among beekeepers.
Benefits
NBHM offers multiple benefits, including:
- Enhanced Crop Yields & Quality:
Improved pollination results in better yield and quality for various crops (fruits, vegetables, pulses, oil seeds, etc.). - Sustainable Agricultural Development:
Contributes to sustainable agriculture and environmental health. - Biodiversity Maintenance:
Supports the conservation of biodiversity. - Income Generation:
Increases the income of beekeepers, farmers, and landless labourers through the production of honey and other high-value beehive products. - Employment Creation:
Generates new employment opportunities. - Livelihood Support:
Acts as a stable source of livelihood. - Nation Building:
Contributes to the prosperity of farmers and overall national well-being. - Scientific Beekeeping Adoption:
Promotes modern and scientific methods in beekeeping for sustained growth.
For detailed activity cost norms, assistance patterns, and component specifics under Mini Mission I, II, and III, refer to the NBHM Guidelines.
Eligibility
- Open Eligibility:
The mission is open to all interested stakeholders. Anyone—from individual beekeepers to societies, FPOs, and start-ups—can apply.
Application Process
Offline Process:
- Project-Based Components:
All component schemes (except for training, seminars, and exposure visits) are project based. - Submission by Implementing Agencies:
Projects are submitted directly to the National Bee Board by agencies such as NDDB, NAFED, TRIFED, SFAC, ICAR, CAUS, SAUS. Additionally, projects may be submitted through State Government SLSCs (e.g., Departments of Horticulture/Agriculture), member companies, firms, societies, SHGs, FIGs, or FPCs. - Examination & Appraisal:
- The National Bee Board examines and appraises projects as per the scheme guidelines and norms.
- A Project Appraisal Committee (PAC), chaired by the Horticulture Commissioner, reviews projects recommended up to ₹1 crore. Projects exceeding ₹5 crores are forwarded to the Project Appraisal & Monitoring Committee (PA&MC), chaired by the Secretary (Agriculture) for final approval.
- Registration on the Madhukranti Portal:
Once a project is approved, applicants must register on the Madhukranti Portal. During registration, details such as land specifics and site layout plans are submitted. - Detailed Project Report (DPR):
Applicants must submit a complete DPR as per the guidelines. - Membership Registration:
Societies, firms, or cooperatives need to apply for lifetime membership if applicable.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Land documents
- Bank details
- Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- Any additional documents as per the project requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the primary benefits of NBHM?
It enhances crop yields through better pollination, supports sustainable agriculture, maintains biodiversity, increases income for beekeepers and farmers, creates employment, and promotes scientific beekeeping. - What is NBHM?
It is a mission under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare focused on the development of the beekeeping and honey production industry. - Are there financial incentives?
Yes, detailed cost norms and patterns of assistance for various projects are outlined in the NBHM Guidelines. - What types of training and capacity-building benefits are offered?
The mission provides training, seminars, and exposure visits, along with capacity-building support in modern beekeeping practices. - Does NBHM provide market linkages?
Yes, the mission supports postharvest marketing, branding, and the establishment of marketing infrastructures. - Is there any incentive for women?
Yes, the mission specifically promotes the empowerment of women through beekeeping. - What type of training is provided?
Beneficiaries receive training in scientific beekeeping, skill development, and the use of IT tools for traceability and online registration. - Is there an age limit or educational qualification?
There is no specific age limit or educational qualification required for participation. - Who is eligible?
The mission is open to individual beekeepers, societies, FPOs, and start-ups engaged in beekeeping and honey production. - Is there an application fee?
Check the detailed guidelines for any applicable fees.