Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : As India strides forward in its Sweet Revolution, the efforts of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) continue to transform rural communities. The smallest creatures—bees—are proving to be agents of immense ecological and economic change. The impact of KVIC’s efforts continues to ripple across communities, proving that sometimes, the smallest creatures can create the biggest change.
Beekeeping is more than just honey production—it’s a vital ecological practice that sustains life on Earth. Beekeeping offers a wealth of ecological benefits, making it a crucial practice for environmental sustainability. Some key advantages are:
Pollination Powerhouse – Bees are essential pollinators, supporting the reproduction of 75% of food crops and 90% of wild plant species. Their role in pollination enhances biodiversity and ensures the survival of countless plant species.
Boosting Biodiversity – By maintaining healthy bee populations, beekeeping helps sustain diverse ecosystems. Bees contribute to the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants, which in turn support various wildlife species.
Climate Change Mitigation – Beekeeping encourages the preservation of green spaces and wildflower meadows, which act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping combat climate change.
Sustainable Agriculture – Beekeeping promotes natural farming methods by reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Pollination by bees increases crop yields and improves the quality of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Urban and Rural Environmental Health – Whether in cities or rural areas, beekeeping fosters environmental stewardship. Urban beekeeping supports green spaces, while rural beekeeping enhances soil health and agricultural productivity.
Recently, in the heart of Mumbai, where industry meets tradition, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) hosted a vibrant celebration to mark World Bee Day 2025. Under the banner ‘Sweet Revolution Utsav’, the event took place at KVIC’s Central Office in Vile Parle, buzzing with excitement, innovation, and a shared commitment to rural prosperity. This year’s theme, “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all,” reflected the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who has championed the transformation of the White Revolution into a Sweet Revolution—an initiative fostering beekeeping as a key driver of sustainable livelihoods.
The celebration was inaugurated by KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar, accompanied by KVIC CEO Ms. Roop Rashi, setting the stage for an insightful and engaging event. The gathering welcomed beneficiary beekeepers from across Maharashtra, along with scientists, successful apiculturists, students, and subject experts, creating an atmosphere filled with learning and inspiration.
In his opening remarks, Shri Manoj Kumar underscored the vital role of bees in both ecological balance and economic progress. He emphasised, “Bees are the backbone of our ecosystem. Beyond honey production, they enhance agriculture through pollination and contribute to environmental conservation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Honey Mission has evolved into a major source of livelihood in rural India.” His words resonated with the spirit of self-reliance, reinforcing KVIC’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
A Mission That Transforms Lives
The Honey Mission, a flagship initiative of KVIC, has made remarkable strides in empowering rural communities. With over 2,29,409 bee boxes distributed across the country, approximately 20,000 metric tonnes of honey have been produced, generating Rs. 325 crore in income for beekeepers. The success of the mission has even reached the global stage, with Rs. 25 crore worth of honey exports recorded in FY 2024-25.
KVIC CEO Ms. Roop Rashi shed light on the holistic approach of the mission, stating, “The Honey Mission is more than just a scheme—it is a livelihood model. Thousands of youth, women, and farmers are finding employment through this initiative, supported by KVIC’s honey processing plants, training centres, and marketing networks.”
Science, Sustainability, and Rural Entrepreneurship
A highlight of the programme was the recognition of the Central Bee Research & Training Institute (CBRTI) in Pune, which has been a beacon of beekeeping excellence since its establishment in 1962. Over 50,000 beekeepers have been trained here in modern apiculture techniques, enhancing agricultural productivity through pollination and fostering rural entrepreneurship.
Experts and scientists at the event revealed fascinating insights about bees, stressing their significance in global food security. Bees contribute to the pollination of 75% of food crops, with nearly 30% of food crops and 90% of wild plant species relying on them for survival.
Studies indicate that three-quarters of crops depend on pollinators to some extent, but only one-third of global crop production is directly reliant on them. Additionally, 78% of flowering plant species depend on insect pollination, and 80% of the 109 most important crop plants require pollination by animals. These figures highlight the critical role of bees and other pollinators in maintaining biodiversity and food security. These statistics reinforced the urgency of conservation efforts to protect these tireless pollinators.
A Celebration of Culture and Creativity
Adding a delightful twist to the event, children took the stage to present plays, poems, and essays on the importance of bees, infusing creativity and enthusiasm into the celebration. Beneficiaries from across India shared their inspiring success stories virtually, offering heartfelt testimonies about how beekeeping transformed their lives.
With KVIC officials, employees, and dignitaries in attendance, World Bee Day 2025 was more than just an event—it was a movement. A movement fueled by the collective determination to nurture nature, promote self-reliance, and embrace the sweetness of transformation.
Beekeeping is not just an ecological boon—it’s also a thriving economic activity with far-reaching benefits. It contributes to financial prosperity:
Income Generation – Beekeeping provides a steady source of income through honey production, beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis sales. Many rural communities rely on beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood.
Agricultural Growth – Pollination services from bees significantly boost crop yields, enhancing the profitability of farms. Many high-value crops, such as almonds and apples, depend on commercial beekeeping.
Job Creation – The beekeeping industry supports employment across various sectors, including honey processing, packaging, marketing, and research.
Export Opportunities – Honey and bee-related products have strong international demand, creating lucrative export markets. In India, beekeepers associated with KVIC exported honey worth Rs. 25 crore in FY 2024-25.
Diverse Business Ventures – Beyond honey, beekeeping supports industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production, where beeswax and propolis are valuable ingredients.
Beekeeping is a powerful economic driver, blending sustainability with profitability. Would you like insights on how to start a beekeeping business?
Beekeeping plays a crucial role in environmental conservation and sustainability. Some key benefits are:
Supports Biodiversity – Bees help maintain plant diversity by pollinating flowers, trees, and crops, ensuring the survival of various species.
Enhances Pollination – Beekeeping strengthens pollination services, which are essential for food production and ecosystem stability.
Reduces Carbon Footprint – Beekeeping encourages the preservation of green spaces and wildflower meadows, which act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Promotes Sustainable Agriculture – By reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, beekeeping supports organic farming and improves soil health.
Protects Local Ecosystems – Beekeepers often become environmental stewards, advocating for conservation efforts that benefit bees and entire ecosystems.
√Pixs By PIB
Inputs taken from PIB and other available sources.
√source How much of the world’s food production is dependent on pollinators? – Our World in Data.
√and Factsheet Wild bees and pollination and PIB Release ID: 2130045
