Context
India’s honey production has nearly doubled over the past decade, with around 70% of output being exported. However, sustaining this growth requires protecting bee populations, improving scientific beekeeping, traceability, quality standards and diversifying export markets.
Explanation
- Bees are key pollinators, according to FAO estimates, pollinators contribute to nearly one-third of global crop output and improve yields of many major food crops.
- Apiculture (beekeeping) provides honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly and pollen, while generating supplementary rural income and supporting agricultural productivity.
- India is among the world’s major honey producers; production increased from about 76,000 tonnes in 2013-14 to 1.51 lakh tonnes in 2025-26.
- Nearly 70% of Indian honey production is exported, but dependence on a few markets increases vulnerability to tariffs and trade barriers.
- Export competitiveness requires quality testing, traceability, GI branding, residue/pesticide management and compliance with sanitary standards.
- The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) promotes scientific beekeeping and development of the honey value chain.
- Protecting pollinators also supports biodiversity, ecosystem services, food security and sustainable agriculture.
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Honey economy: India’s pollination dividend