India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) is set to celebrate World Bee Day at Raja Bhoj Agriculture College in Warasivni, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh. The event, scheduled for tomorrow, will be attended by esteemed guests, including the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, the Agriculture Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and the Chairman of the OBC Welfare Commission of Madhya Pradesh.
The celebration expects to draw a crowd of approximately 1,000 participants, including farmers, beekeepers, processors, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders involved in honey production.
One of the highlights of the World Bee Day celebration will be an exhibition featuring over 100 stalls. Beekeepers, processors, and various stakeholders from the beekeeping sector will use these stalls to showcase the diverse varieties of honeybees and their related products. This platform will provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange and networking among industry professionals.
To enhance the scientific knowledge of beekeeping among farmers and beekeepers, technical sessions will be organized during the event. These sessions will cover topics such as production, research, partnership with industries, market strategies for domestic and export purposes, and discussions on marketing challenges and solutions. By upgrading the knowledge and skills of participants, the Ministry aims to promote scientific beekeeping and facilitate the growth of the industry.
Recognizing the importance of beekeeping, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has taken significant initiatives. One such effort is the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme. The NBHM, a centrally funded scheme, aims to promote and develop scientific beekeeping, ultimately working towards the goal of a ‘Sweet Revolution.’ The implementation of this mission is overseen by the National Bee Board, which focuses on promoting scientific beekeeping and entrepreneurship among small and marginal farmers. Additionally, the NBHM supports infrastructure development for post-harvest management and provides funding for research and development.
India's diverse agro-climatic conditions offer tremendous potential for beekeeping and honey production. The adoption of scientific technologies has facilitated increased honey production while maintaining quality standards for both national and international markets. Moreover, beekeepers have been able to diversify their products, including bee pollen, beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, and bee venom. This expansion has not only boosted beekeepers' income but has also met the growing demand for honey and bee products in both domestic and international markets.
Beyond honey production, bees play a crucial role in agriculture. Their effective pollination increases agricultural yields and improves the quality of produce. Consequently, beekeeping in India has become an essential agri-business activity, promising favorable returns for farmers and contributing to increased agricultural productivity. Ultimately, this endeavor supports the nation's food and nutritional security.
