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India has become the world’s second-largest exporter of natural honey, with shipments touching around 1.07 lakh metric tonnes worth $177.55 million in 2023-24, according to an official statement released on Sunday, November 2. This marks a remarkable rise from the ninth position in 2020, reflecting the success of the Centre’s focused efforts to expand the beekeeping sector under the Sweet Revolution initiative.

The jump in exports highlights how apiculture has grown into a key part of India’s agri-based economy, helping farmers diversify their income while contributing to global demand for high-quality honey.

The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), launched as a Central Sector Scheme, has been instrumental in transforming India’s honey industry. Implemented through the National Bee Board (NBB), the mission was introduced under the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign with an initial budget of Rs 500 crore for 2020–21 to 2022–23.

Following its success, the government extended the mission for another three years till 2025–26 with a remaining allocation of Rs 370 crore from the original outlay. The mission promotes scientific beekeeping, quality assurance, and market linkages to make Indian honey more competitive internationally.

The Madhukranti portal, developed under the mission, enables online registration and full traceability of honey and other bee-based products. This system ensures transparency across the production chain, helping exporters meet international quality norms and boosting India’s credibility in global markets.

Officials said the platform has made it easier for producers and exporters to track and certify their produce, opening opportunities in high-value destinations such as the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Beekeeping has become an important livelihood activity for farmers and landless labourers, especially in rural and semi-rural areas. It forms an integral part of the Integrated Farming System, enhancing crop pollination, improving yields, and supplementing agricultural income.

The Sweet Revolution, launched to promote large-scale organised beekeeping, aims to double farmers’ incomes by integrating honey production with agriculture. The initiative also encourages the development of allied products such as beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, bee venom, and pollen, which are gaining commercial value in domestic and export markets.

The NBHM operates through three Mini Missions, each focusing on different aspects of apiculture:

These structured interventions have strengthened the value chain from production to export, creating a more organised and traceable honey sector.

Experts say India’s diverse agro-climatic zones make it ideal for beekeeping and honey production. With growing demand for natural and organic honey worldwide, India is poised to further expand its export footprint.

Ankit Kumar is a Senior Sub Editor at Zee Business. He covers international affairs, politics, climate change, business, finance and global elections. With experience acros