India has set its eyes on a ‘Sweet Revolution’. This term encapsulates the government’s efforts to boost the beekeeping industry, empower farmers and strengthen the backbone of the nation. Recent initiatives such as the launch of Honey Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and various other initiatives like The TRIFED Van Dhan Chronicle, The MIS Portal for Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest produces, are harbingers of this change.
TRIFED Initiatives
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has recently kick-started 14 Honey FPOs of TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India). These bodies aim to foster tribal enterprises in the country and chart the success of tribal entrepreneurs under the Van Dhan Vikas Yojana.
Beyond recognizing the triumphs of the tribal community, the MIS Portal for Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produces is an innovative tool. It provides real-time data regarding procurement centres and their locations, and the procurement of MFPs being done nationwide.
Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
In 2020, a central sector scheme titled “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)” was established. The aim of the scheme is to provide farmers with economies of scale over the next five years. Special emphasis has been placed on beekeeping, with plans to form 100 FPOs in identified potential Districts/States.
The ‘Sweet Revolution’
The Indian Government acknowledges beekeeping as a vital activity in its pursuit of the ‘Sweet Revolution’. The aim of the revolution is to increase farmers’ income. Taking the lead on this initiative, the National Bee Board (NBB), under the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM), plans to develop scientific beekeeping value chains for honey across 100 clusters in the country.
Additionally, TRIFED is assigned to form 14 Honey FPOs alongside NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd) and NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) in eight states. These include Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat.
Benefits of Beekeeping
By enhancing skills in scientific beekeeping and infrastructural facilities for processing honey, farmers can hope for upgraded quality control and better supply chain management. Furthermore, the Promotion and Formation of FPOs are deemed as the first steps towards achieving ‘Atma Nirbhar Krishi’, further empowering farmers.
Other Government Efforts to Promote Beekeeping
The government has allocated Rs. 500 crore towards beekeeping under the Atmanirbhar Abhiyan, showcasing their commitment to the cause. A unique initiative called ‘Apiary on Wheels’ ensures easy upkeep and migration of Bee Boxes having live Bee colonies. It is designed by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
Under the aegis of the NBHM (National Beekeeping & Honey Mission), four training modules have been created, training 30 lakh farmers in beekeeping. These farmers are also financially supported by the Government.
Furthermore, schemes such as Mini Mission 1, Mini Mission 2 and Mini Mission 3, under the NBHM, support the ‘Sweet Revolution’ that started in 2016-17 to boost beekeeping and related activities.
