Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the latest edition of Mann Ki Baat, celebrated India’s achievements in honey production, describing the sector as a growing source of income and opportunity for rural communities.
He emphasised that the country’s output has doubled over the last eleven years, rising from 76,000 metric tonnes to more than 1.5 lakh metric tonnes.
Honey exports, he added, have also increased more than threefold during this period.
PM Modi credited the Honey Mission programme for driving this transformation.
Under the initiative, Khadi Gramodyog has distributed over 2.25 lakh bee-boxes, enabling thousands to take up beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood.
He noted that the increasing ‘sweetness of honey’ is directly enhancing the earnings of farmers across India.
The Prime Minister praised the immense dedication of beekeepers, highlighting the traditional knowledge and close relationship with nature that underpin honey cultivation.
Celebrating India’s Unique Honey Varieties
PM Modi spotlighted several regional honey varieties that are gaining recognition.
In Jammu and Kashmir, bees produce Ramban Sulai Honey from wild basil, locally called sulai.
The distinctive white honey received a GI tag a few years ago, increasing its popularity across the country.
In Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, he noted the exemplary work of the farmers’ organisation Gramjanya, which has set up a modern processing unit equipped with laboratories, bottling, storage, and digital tracking facilities.
More than 2,500 farmers have benefited as branded honey now reaches cities from remote villages.
The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of Shivganga Kalanjiya in Tumakuru district, where farmers receive two bee-boxes each at the start.
Through collective extraction, packaging, and marketing, many associated farmers are now earning significant additional income.
Ancient Traditions: Nagaland’s Cliff-Honey Hunting
PM Modi shared a remarkable example from Nagaland, where the Khiamniungan tribe of Choklangan village has practised cliff-honey hunting for centuries.
Bees there build hives high on rocky cliffs, making extraction both challenging and risky.
Before collecting honey, villagers respectfully address the bees and seek their permission, reflecting a deep cultural bond and reverence for nature.
Through these stories, PM Modi underlined how beekeeping is becoming a powerful tool for rural development, environmental balance, and economic empowerment.
India’s expanding honey sector, supported by both tradition and modern initiatives, is helping farmers build sustainable livelihoods and bringing indigenous honey varieties to global markets.
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