Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India]: The Gujarat Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has highlighted its flagship ‘Mission Bee’ program, which aims to empower farmers through beekeeping and support the Sweet Revolution initiative, as emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his recent Mann Ki Baat address.
Beekeeping: A Sweet Opportunity
“Beekeeping is not just a natural remedy but also a lucrative agricultural opportunity,” stated the Gujarat government in a release. With minimal costs and significant returns, beekeeping has emerged as a thriving industry under the Sweet Revolution, a national initiative to promote honey production and improve rural livelihoods.
Amul Dairy’s Role in Honey Production
The success of ‘Mission Bee’ is evident in the impressive achievements of Amul Dairy:
- Farmers Involved: 284 member farmers from Anand, Kheda, and Mahisagar districts participated in a beekeeping initiative, receiving an initial contribution of ₹10,000 each.
- Equipment Provided: Each farmer was equipped with 10 bee boxes and a honey extractor for every five participants.
- Honey Produced: To date, these farmers have produced an astounding 16,000 kilograms of honey.
- Economic Impact: Farmers earned additional income through direct sales and recovered 75% of their initial investment within the first year.
Amul Dairy’s processing unit has already processed two tonnes of honey, setting a benchmark for honey production and packaging standards.
Starting a Beekeeping Business
The Gujarat government outlined the basic requirements and costs for beekeeping:
- Essential Equipment: Bee colonies, bee boxes, and honey extractors are necessary.
- Startup Costs: The estimated cost for 10 bee colonies, one bee box, and a honey extractor is ₹60,000 to ₹70,000.
Under the program, beneficiaries receive assistance for:
- Beekeeping boxes and modern honey extractors
- Food-grade containers
- Processing, packaging, and cold storage
- Bee breeding and nucleus culture
- Establishing bee clinics
Mission Bee Program: Key Features
Launched by the Horticulture Department in 2022-23, the Mission Bee program focuses on:
- Providing guidance and training to farmers
- Supporting honey production, processing, and marketing
- Allocating funds for research and infrastructure
In 2024-25, Amul Dairy’s beekeeping project received ₹127.43 lakh in assistance. Earlier, Junagadh Agricultural University was allocated ₹53 lakh for a bee breeding and clinic project.
Government Support and Future Goals
The Gujarat government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting beekeeping as a sustainable source of income for farmers. By combining scientific methods and grassroots participation, Mission Bee aims to enhance honey production across the state, ensuring both environmental and economic benefits.
The program represents a significant step toward achieving the Sweet Revolution, creating a buzz among farmers and empowering rural communities.