A program aimed at fostering economic empowerment and stimulating honey-related industries is being offered by the Directorate of Horticulture of the Department of Agriculture, Bihar, from 2023-24. Besides promoting agricultural diversification, this initiative also aligns with the ‘Sweet Revolution’ which seeks to increase farmers’ incomes and utilize the state’s rich agroclimatic potential.
Beekeeping equipment is subsidised to encourage participation
In this scheme, the Directorate provides subsidies for two essential components of beekeeping – Bee Colony (Box + Hive) and Bee Removal Equipment and Food Grader. These items are available at an estimated cost of 3,800 and 19,000, respectively. An impressive 75 percent of the subsidy is provided for the general category, while an encouraging 90 percent is provided for the SC/ST category, significantly reducing the financial burden on aspiring beekeepers.
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Application deadlines and procedures
The submission deadline for applications to the online application system for individuals and groups interested in beekeeping is January 10, 2024. Applications are available on the official website of the Horticulture Department, Bihar (horticulture.bihar.gov.in). This move emphasizes inclusivity, to attract participation from a broad spectrum of stakeholders interested in beekeeping.
मधुमक्खी पालन और मधु उत्पादन (2023-24) के लिए ऑनलाइन आवेदन https://t.co/h49nJmUM7T पर दिनांक 10 जनवरी 2024 तक किया जा सकता है।@KumarSarvjeet6@SAgarwal_IAS@dralokghosh@abhitwittt@Agribih@IPRD_Bihar pic.twitter.com/eV0dU5OnG5
— Directorate Of Horticulture, Deptt of Agri, Bihar (@HorticultureBih) January 2, 2024
Bringing the Sweet Revolution to life
Under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission, the central government selected 17 districts in Bihar in March 2023 to promote the sweet revolution (honey production). For the success of the Sweet Revolution, the central and state governments will collaborate in Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, East Champaran, West Champaran, Jamui, Kishanganj, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea, Rohtas, Samastipur, Saran, Sitamarhi, and Vaishali districts.
As a first installment, the center has also approved Rs 1.30 crore, which has been sent to these districts for implementation.
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Promoting sustainability and empowering communities
Jeevika Didis and other women’s groups will receive additional attention through this initiative, which aims to bridge economic gaps and promote sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, it emphasizes cultivating flowering plants in beekeeping areas to ensure the health of the environment and the long-term prosperity of bee populations.
Economic Impacts on Honey Production
Bihar’s economic landscape is expected to benefit from the provision of subsidized beekeeping equipment. As part of the broader objective to double farmers’ incomes, it is anticipated to create numerous employment opportunities for agricultural and non-agricultural families. Additionally, the initiative is expected to augment honey production, taking advantage of Bihar’s renowned litchi honey and diverse floral resources to serve both national and international markets.
As part of its initiative, the Horticulture Department emphasizes accessibility, sustainability, and economic empowerment as means of fostering a flourishing ecosystem for beekeeping. As well as strengthening its position in the honey production sector, Bihar aims to promote agricultural diversity and uplift communities by providing substantial subsidies and encouraging participation from various segments of society. It is anticipated that there will be an upsurge in applications as the deadline approaches, marking a significant step forward in the ‘Sweet Revolution’ in Bihar.
