How is Madhya Pradesh's NBHM Transforming Beekeeping for Neemuch Youth?

Neemuch, Sep 3 (NationPress) Beekeeping, once viewed as a secondary activity, is rapidly evolving into a lucrative industry for farmers and entrepreneurs throughout India. The introduction of the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) in 2019-20 as part of the Self-Reliant India Scheme aims to facilitate the 'Sweet Revolution', enhance agricultural and horticultural productivity, generate employment, and empower rural communities, especially women.

In Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, this initiative has gained significant traction. A two-day district-level seminar and training program took place on September 3 and 4, 2025, at the Neemuch Town Hall, organized collaboratively by the Department of Horticulture and Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The event gathered farmers, beekeepers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiastic youth eager to grasp the principles of scientific beekeeping, honey production, marketing strategies, and available government support.

Sessions were led by seasoned scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, technical experts, regional officials, and successful beekeepers, providing participants with valuable insights into advanced beekeeping methods, high-quality honey production, disease management, and strategies for accessing global markets. Demonstrations on bee breeding, hive management, and honey extraction were integral to the training.

The event attracted notable dignitaries, including Neemuch MLA Dilip Singh Parihar, Jawad MLA Omprakash Saklecha, and Deputy Director of Horticulture Atar Singh Kannauji, along with hundreds of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.

“This initiative marks a crucial stride towards promoting scientific beekeeping and inspiring youth to engage in enterprises that foster self-reliance,” stated officials.

In his address, Neemuch MLA Dilip Singh Parihar highlighted the initiative's alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision: “This workshop equips farmers with the tools necessary to realize their dream of doubling their income. Both the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav are dedicated to farmers' prosperity. Today, we are not only providing support through schemes like Kisan Samman Nidhi but also vital infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water, and fertilizers. Beekeeping presents an innovative avenue for additional income through honey production.”

Atar Singh Kannauji, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, emphasized the scheme’s influence:

“Through NBHM, youth are being trained not only in honey production but also in establishing enterprises post-extraction. From the species of bees to rear to processing and packaging techniques, everything is being thoroughly explained by experts. The objective is to enhance farmers’ economic conditions and ensure sustainable livelihoods.”

The program also highlighted inspiring success stories. Anil Dhakad, a mechanical engineer-turned-entrepreneur, shared his journey: “I secured a loan of Rs 15 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana, benefiting from a 35% subsidy. This enabled me to establish a honey production and packaging unit in my village, Kelukheda. Previously, we sold raw honey directly to companies with minimal profit. Now, we market our honey under our own brand, offering 25 to 30 varieties. This venture has created employment for many villagers. I am thankful to the government for turning my dream into a reality.”

Participating farmers expressed optimism.

Prabhu Lal, a participant, remarked: “This training has enlightened us on the complete cycle of bee rearing and honey extraction. Hearing success stories from beekeepers like Anil Dhakad has been encouraging. Many farmers are now realizing that beekeeping can significantly boost their income.”

The event not only emphasized technical knowledge but also the significance of marketing strategies and branding for honey products, ensuring farmers and entrepreneurs can capture greater value for their produce.

NBHM is committed to the overall enhancement and development of scientific beekeeping across the nation to achieve the goal of the ‘Sweet Revolution’, which is being executed through the National Bee Board (NBB).

The primary goal of NBHM is to promote the comprehensive growth of the beekeeping industry for income and employment generation among farm and non-farm households, to boost agricultural and horticultural production, and to develop infrastructural facilities, including the establishment of Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres (IBDCs), honey testing labs, bee disease diagnostic labs, custom hiring centres, Api-therapy centres, nucleus stock, and bee breeders, while also empowering women through beekeeping.