National Beekeeping and Honey Mission is a central government scheme designed to promote scientific beekeeping and boost honey production across India. It supports farmers, entrepreneurs, and beekeepers by providing infrastructure, training, and market access to achieve the government's vision of a Sweet Revolution. The scheme is implemented by the National Bee Board under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and continues to accept project proposals for the 2026-27 period.
National Beekeeping and Honey Mission was announced under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan to foster the complete growth of the scientific beekeeping sector in India. It works through three mini missions covering pollination support, post-harvest management, and research and technology. The scheme is fully funded by the central government and runs as a central sector scheme.
National Beekeeping and Honey Mission - Introduction
This scheme focuses on several main aims:
- Promoting complete beekeeping growth to generate income, create jobs, and provide income support for both farm and non-farm households.
- Building infrastructure such as facilities for developing quality nucleus honeybee stock, disease diagnostic labs, Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres, and modern honey processing plants.
- Setting up quality control laboratories for honey and beehive testing at regional, district, and satellite levels.
- Creating a blockchain-based traceability system and using digital IT tools for online registration and monitoring of bee products.
- Developing dedicated Honey Corridors in high-potential areas and encouraging agri-entrepreneurs and startups to enter honey production.
- Helping women through active participation in beekeeping and strengthening beekeepers through Self Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organizations, and cooperatives.
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Beekeeping and Honey Mission |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment, Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individuals, State Governments, Registered Societies, Self Help Groups |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Nodal Department | Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Implementing Agency | National Bee Board |
| Open Date | 2021-01-01 |
Benefits
This scheme provides complete support to improve beekeeping standards. The detailed cost norms and pattern of support are given in the official project guidelines. The main benefits include:
- Increased crop yields and better produce quality for fruits, vegetables, and oil seeds through effective pollination services.
- Promotion of sustainable environmental and agricultural development while keeping biodiversity.
- Increased income for beekeepers, farmers, and landless laborers through the sale of honey and high-value bee products like bee wax, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom.
- Creation of new employment opportunities and reliable income sources for rural families.
By adopting scientific beekeeping, eligible people can improve their income and also support the economic growth of the farming community.
Eligibility
This scheme is open to individuals, farmers, self help groups, registered cooperatives, farmer producer organizations, and agri-startups. Anyone involved in scientific beekeeping or honey production should check the terms and conditions in the official guidelines to confirm eligibility for specific project components. The subsidy pattern varies by region. For states other than North East and Himalayan states, the support is 50% for individuals and societies, 75% for institutional groups like SHGs and FPOs, and 100% for government organizations. For North East and Himalayan states, the support is 90% for all individuals and institutions and 100% for government agencies.
Application Process
This is a project-based scheme, so applicants need to follow a defined process to get approval.
STEP 1 - Identify the project needs, as most components under the scheme are approved on a project basis.
STEP 2 - If applying as an implementing agency like NAFED, TRIFED, or an agricultural university, submit the project proposal directly to the National Bee Board.
STEP 3 - If applying through a State Government Horticulture or Agriculture Department, make sure the project is routed through the State Level Sanctioning Committee.
STEP 4 - The National Bee Board will examine and appraise the project against the official guidelines.
STEP 5 - The Project Appraisal Committee or Executive Committee will review the project based on its financial value and feasibility.
STEP 6 - Once the project gets official approval, register on the Madhukranti Portal and upload details such as site layout and land plans.
STEP 7 - Complete and submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) as per current requirements.
STEP 8 - If applying as a firm or society, apply for lifetime membership with the National Bee Board.
Documents
To complete the application, keep the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar card
- Valid land documents
- Bank account details
- Detailed Project Report (DPR)
References
Official National Bee Board NBHM Page
Download Official NBHM Guidelines PDF
Madhukranti Registration Portal
FAQ's
What are the primary benefits of participating in National Beekeeping and Honey Mission?
This scheme offers financial support, technical training, access to modern equipment, and market linkage support to help scale honey production business effectively.
What is National Beekeeping and Honey Mission?
It is a dedicated government mission aimed at establishing high-quality infrastructure for honey production and building a scientific beekeeping ecosystem across India.
Are there financial incentives available?
Yes, eligible people can get subsidies through implementing agencies for scientific beekeeping, processing, and packaging activities. The subsidy ranges from 50% to 100% depending on the region and type of applicant.
What type of training does the scheme offer?
Eligible people can take part in various physical or online training workshops covering bee health management, honey extraction techniques, and disease prevention.
Does the scheme provide market linkages for producers?
Yes, the government connects producers with buyers, exporters, and processors to make sure they get better prices for honey products.
Is there specific support for women?
Yes, women-led groups can receive support of ₹20,000 for formation costs and ₹50,000 as working capital to sustain their local beekeeping activities.
Is there an age limit or educational qualification?
No, there is no specific age limit or strict educational requirement; the program is designed to help any individual interested in beekeeping.
Is there an application fee?
Eligible people should refer to the official scheme guidelines for details regarding any applicable fees.