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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated India's remarkable honey production growth during his Mann Ki Baat radio program. He highlighted the country's 60% increase in honey production over the past decade, crediting initiatives like the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission. Modi shared inspiring stories of tribal farmers and women entrepreneurs who have transformed the honey sector through innovation. The Prime Minister emphasized supporting local producers and raising awareness about bee conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Points: Modi Highlights India's Sweet Honey Revolution Transformation

  • India's honey production surged from 75k to 125k metric tonnes
  • National Beekeeping Mission empowers tribal and women entrepreneurs
  • AI and digital technologies now certify honey quality
  • Local bee conservation initiatives gaining momentum
3 min read

Mann Ki Baat: India among world's leading honey-producing countries, says PM Modi

PM Modi reveals India's remarkable 60% honey production surge, empowering farmers and promoting self-reliance through innovative beekeeping initiatives.

"Every drop of honey contains not only taste but also the hard work and hopes of India - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, May 25

Addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of bees, beekeeping, and honey production in the context of World Bee Day, celebrated annually on May 20, and remarked that India is now among the world's leading honey-producing countries.

The Prime Minister emphasised the transformative journey of India’s honey industry over the past decade. He stated, “The 20th of May was celebrated as ‘World Bee Day’, a day which reminds us that honey is not just sweetness; it is also an example of health, self-employment and self-reliance.”

He noted a remarkable increase in honey production in the country. “During the last 11 years, a sweet revolution has taken place in beekeeping in India. 10-11 years ago, honey production in India was around 70-75 thousand metric tonnes per year. Today, it has increased to around 1.25 lakh metric tonnes. That is, there has been an increase of about 60 per cent in honey production. We have become one of the leading countries in the world in honey production and export,” he said.

PM Modi credited this growth to initiatives like the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission, which has trained thousands of farmers and connected them directly with markets.

He also shared inspiring grassroots stories. “There is an example of the Korea district of Chhattisgarh, where tribal farmers have created a pure organic honey brand named 'Sonhani'. Today, that honey is being sold on many online portals, including GeM... Similarly, thousands of women and youth in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh have become honey entrepreneurs.”

Highlighting innovation in the sector, PM Modi pointed out, “Now work is being done not only on the quantity of honey but also on its purity. Some startups are now certifying the quality of honey with AI and digital technology.”

He urged citizens to support local producers. “Try to buy honey from a local farmer, from a woman entrepreneur as well. Because every drop of it contains not only taste but also the hard work and hopes of India. This sweetness of honey is the taste of a self-reliant India.”

PM Modi also lauded the Pune-based initiative ‘Bee Mitra’ by a young individual named Amit, who safely relocates beehives instead of destroying them. “Now these Bee Friends transfer beehives from one place to another in a safe manner... Honeybee colonies are being saved. Honey production is increasing, and most importantly, awareness is also rising among people.”

World Bee Day, designated by the UN on May 20, aims to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face, and their role in sustainable development. Protecting bees is seen as critical to resolving global food supply challenges and combating hunger in developing regions.

PM Modi concluded the episode by urging people to continue sharing stories of progress and achievements.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
This is truly inspiring! Our farmers and women entrepreneurs are showing what true Atmanirbhar Bharat means. The 60% growth in honey production is remarkable. I'll definitely look for the 'Sonhani' brand next time I shop. Jai Kisan! 🐝
P
Priya M.
While the growth numbers are impressive, I hope the government ensures fair prices for small beekeepers. Many local honey sellers in my area struggle against big brands. Quality certification through AI sounds promising though!
A
Arjun S.
Bee Mitra initiative is brilliant! In our village, people used to fear and destroy beehives. Now my cousin has started beekeeping after training from KVK. His honey sells like hot pakoras in local markets 😊
S
Sunita R.
As someone who switched to natural honey instead of sugar, I can vouch for its health benefits. But please be careful - many brands mix syrup. Always check FSSAI mark. Support local beekeepers like PM said!
V
Vikram J.
Great to see tribal communities benefiting through initiatives like Sonhani honey. However, the government should also focus on protecting natural habitats for bees. Development is good, but not at the cost of environment.
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Neha P.
My mother's home remedy with honey, ginger and tulsi saved us from many doctor visits! 😄 Good to know India is becoming a honey powerhouse. Maybe next we can have honey tourism - visit apiaries like vineyards!

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