Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Wednesday that the state government has formulated a dedicated 'Beekeeping Policy' to promote apiculture and increase honey production in the state.
Addressing an event organized by the horticulture department to mark World Bee Day, Saini stated that the state aims to raise the number of beekeepers to 7,750 and boost honey production to 15,500 metric tonnes by 2030. The event was held at the Red Bishop Convention Centre here.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of moving from the 'White Revolution' to the 'Sweet Revolution', the Chief Minister said beekeeping has emerged as a strong pillar of employment generation and rural economy. He added that the government is providing subsidies of up to 85% on bee boxes, bee colonies, and equipment to encourage farmers to adopt this activity.
Saini highlighted that beekeeping has been included in the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, under which honey producers are assured a protected price of Rs 120 per kg. He also released Rs 1.02 crore as incentive assistance to 30 farmers under the scheme. The government has also decided to include beekeeping under the Mukhya Mantri Bagwani Bima Yojana to safeguard beekeepers against losses caused by natural disasters, Saini added.
Emphasizing Haryana's progress in the field, the Chief Minister said more than 3,000 beekeepers from the state are registered on the national 'Madhukranti' portal, placing the state at the top of the country in terms of registrations. He added that the Integrated Beekeeping Development Centre at Ramnagar in Kurukshetra, established with Israeli technology, has facilitated the trading of nearly 800 tonnes of honey so far.
Saini also honored 11 progressive beekeepers with incentives and certificates during the event. The policy is expected to significantly boost honey production and provide sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the state.
