India has become the world’s second-largest exporter of natural honey, with shipments reaching 1.07 lakh metric tonnes worth $177.55 million in 2023–24, marking a significant leap from the ninth position in 2020, according to an official statement issued on Sunday. The achievement reflects the country’s growing success in organised apiculture and its commitment to scientific beekeeping. This growth has been largely driven by the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) , a Central Sector Scheme launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to promote beekeeping, enhance quality honey production, and generate livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Implemented through the National Bee Board, the mission was initially sanctioned with a budget of Rs. 500 crore for three years, from 2020–21 to 2022–23, and later extended till 2025–26 with a remaining allocation of Rs. 370 crore from the original outlay.
