The National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM), launched in 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme, is a transformative initiative aimed at propelling the growth of the beekeeping sector in India. This mission envisions a multi-pronged approach to increase honey production, enhance the income of beekeepers, and promote beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood option across the country.
Objectives of NBHM
- Boosting Production & Productivity: Focus on increasing the number of bee colonies, improving bee health, and adopting scientific beekeeping practices for higher honey yields.
- Post-harvest Infrastructure: Establishing integrated beekeeping development centers (IBDCs), supporting processing, testing labs, quality control, and branding of honey.
- Skill Development & Capacity Building: Training beekeepers, providing technical support, and promoting entrepreneurship in the beekeeping sector.
- Market Support: Facilitating market linkages, promoting exports, and developing a robust value chain for honey and api-products.
- Research & Technology: Supporting research on pollination, bee diseases, and development of new technologies.
Benefits of NBHM
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Beekeeping provides a lucrative income source for farmers, especially those with small land-holdings, while also empowering women and tribal communities.
- Ecological Balance: Bees play a crucial role as pollinators, ensuring biodiversity and crop productivity.
- Increased Income: NBHM helps beekeepers realize better prices for their honey and bee-related products.
- Health Benefits: Promotion of pure and organic honey offers nutritional benefits to consumers.
Success Stories under NBHM
- Sweet Success in Jammu and Kashmir: NBHM-supported initiatives have led to a significant increase in honey production and the emergence of successful beekeeping enterprises.
- Empowerment in Rural Odisha: Promotion of beekeeping is improving livelihoods for tribal communities and fostering entrepreneurship.
FAQs About NBHM
- Who can avail the benefits of NBHM? Farmers, beekeepers, self-help groups, and entrepreneurs in the api-sector can benefit from NBHM schemes.
- How to access NBHM programs? Information and assistance are available through the National Bee Board (NBB) and state-level agencies.
MCQs
The primary focus of NBHM is:
A. Wildlife conservation
B. Development of the beekeeping sector
C. Textile production
D. Modern manufacturing
Which of these is NOT a direct benefit of beekeeping?
A. Enhanced crop yields
B. Improved honey production
C. Increased air pollution
D. Livelihood generation