During his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew national attention to the vital role of bees, beekeeping, and honey production, coinciding with World Bee Day, observed annually on 20 May.
He emphasised the remarkable growth of India’s honey industry, which has positioned the country among the world’s leading producers and exporters of honey.
A ‘Sweet Revolution’ In Indian Agriculture
Reflecting on the progress of the past decade, Mr Modi described the growth in honey production as a ‘sweet revolution’.
He noted, “Around 10 to 11 years ago, India was producing approximately 70,000 to 75,000 metric tonnes of honey annually. Today, that figure has soared to 1.25 lakh metric tonnes—a rise of nearly 60 per cent.”
He attributed this success to sustained efforts through government-backed initiatives such as the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission, which has trained thousands of farmers and improved direct access to markets.
Honey As A Symbol Of Self-Reliance And Health
Mr Modi reminded listeners that honey symbolises more than sweetness, saying, “World Bee Day reminds us that honey also represents health, self-employment, and self-reliance.”
He praised the way beekeeping has become a source of livelihood for thousands, especially in rural and tribal regions.
Grassroots Success: From Chhattisgarh To Arunachal Pradesh
Highlighting real-life examples, the Prime Minister shared the story of tribal farmers in Chhattisgarh’s Korea district, who launched an organic honey brand named ‘Sonhani’, now available on major e-commerce platforms including GeM.
He further mentioned the increasing number of women and young entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh, who are now thriving in the honey business.
Beyond volume, innovation in purity and quality is transforming the sector. Mr Modi stated that some startups are using artificial intelligence and digital tools to certify honey quality, reflecting a shift towards high standards in the domestic market.
Support Local, Empower Communities
The Prime Minister also encouraged citizens to consciously support local producers. “Try to buy honey from a local farmer or a woman entrepreneur,” he urged. “Every drop reflects not just taste, but the effort, hope, and enterprise of a self-reliant India.”
In an inspiring environmental initiative, Mr Modi praised ‘Bee Mitra’, a Pune-based programme led by a young individual named Amit, who safely relocates beehives instead of destroying them.
“By transferring beehives instead of removing them, we are not only increasing honey production but also protecting vital pollinator colonies,” he said.
A Global Call: Protect Pollinators For Food Security
The United Nations recognises World Bee Day as a platform to raise awareness about the role of pollinators in food production, the challenges they face, and their critical role in sustainable agriculture and food security, especially in developing countries.
Concluding the broadcast, PM Modi invited citizens to continue sharing stories of innovation and success, especially those contributing to India’s journey towards self-reliance, sustainability, and rural empowerment.
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