NEW DELHI, 17 August 2026: India’s beekeeping sector is witnessing significant expansion as the government strengthens scientific beekeeping, honey processing, testing, branding and market infrastructure under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM).
Implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the National Bee Board (NBB), the Central Sector scheme aims to turn beekeeping into a stronger source of farm income, employment and rural livelihoods while simultaneously supporting agricultural and horticultural productivity.
According to the government, honey production increased from 80,530 metric tonnes in 2014-15 to 1,51,690 MT in 2025-26, based on the second advance estimates of horticulture crop statistics. This represents an increase of nearly 88% over the period.
Focus on scientific beekeeping
The NBHM seeks to move beekeeping beyond traditional practices by promoting scientific methods, modern technology and institutional support.
Its objectives include increasing honey and other beehive products, generating employment, supporting farm and non-farm households and creating additional livelihood opportunities for rural communities.
The mission also places emphasis on women's empowerment, with beekeeping being promoted as an income-generating activity that can be undertaken alongside farming and other rural occupations.
Honey testing and processing infrastructure expands
A major component of the programme has been the creation of infrastructure covering testing, processing, collection and marketing.
So far, the government has supported the establishment of:
7 world-class honey testing laboratories
66 mini laboratories for detecting adulteration
83 honey processing units
90 collection, branding and packaging units
81 Quality Nucleus Stock Development Centres
The infrastructure is designed to improve honey quality, reduce adulteration, strengthen processing and help beekeepers access better markets.
The Quality Nucleus Stock Development Centres are particularly important for improving the availability of quality queen bees and supporting colony multiplication, helping strengthen the foundation of commercial beekeeping.
From honey production to value addition
The mission takes a value-chain approach rather than focusing solely on increasing the number of bee colonies.
Support is provided for Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres, honey testing laboratories, disease diagnostic facilities, technology demonstrations, capacity building, research and development, marketing, branding and value addition.
This could help beekeepers capture a greater share of the value generated after honey leaves the farm, particularly through improved packaging, processing and branding.
Beekeeping can also benefit agriculture
The economic significance of beekeeping extends beyond honey production.
Bees play an important role in pollination, which can contribute to improved production of several agricultural and horticultural crops. The government therefore views scientific beekeeping as an intervention that can potentially generate both direct income from honey and indirect benefits through improved agricultural productivity.
The NBHM is consequently being implemented as part of a broader effort involving State governments, implementing agencies and stakeholder organisations.
Building a stronger rural livelihood ecosystem
The expansion of honey production from 80,530 MT to 1,51,690 MT over roughly a decade highlights the growing scale of India's beekeeping industry.
With investments in testing, processing, quality bee stock, branding and market infrastructure, the government is seeking to create a more organised beekeeping ecosystem capable of supporting farmers, beekeepers, entrepreneurs and rural households.
The continued development of the sector could also strengthen India's position in domestic and international honey markets while creating additional income opportunities for small farmers, women and non-farm rural households.
Key NBHM figures
Indicator Achievement
Honey production, 2014-15 80,530 MT
Honey production, 2025-26 1,51,690 MT
World-class honey testing labs 7
Mini adulteration-testing labs 66
Honey processing units 83
Collection/branding/packaging units 90
Quality Nucleus Stock Development Centres 81
