KVIC Boosts Beekeeping with 2,050 New Boxes
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched a significant initiative to promote beekeeping in India, distributing 2,050 bee boxes, honey colonies, and toolkits to 205 beekeepers across six states. This distribution was conducted via video conference by KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar from the Rajghat office in Delhi, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision for the ‘New Khadi for New India’ movement.
Strengthening the Honey Mission
During the distribution event, Chairman Manoj Kumar emphasized the importance of the ‘Honey Mission,’ which aims to enhance beekeeping practices in rural areas. This initiative is part of a broader effort to implement the ‘Sweet Revolution’ across Indian villages. Kumar noted that the mission has already benefited over 20,000 individuals since its inception in 2017, providing them with more than 200,000 bee boxes and colonies. He highlighted the potential of beekeeping not only to generate income through honey production but also to supply valuable bee wax, which is in high demand across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
The Chairman also announced a national-level exhibition scheduled for January 14 to February 27, 2025, at Prayagraj, coinciding with the Mahakumbh. This exhibition will showcase Khadi products and is expected to further boost the sales of Khadi and village industry goods, which have seen remarkable growth in recent years.
Significant Sales Growth in Khadi Sector
In his address, Kumar shared impressive statistics regarding the growth of the Khadi sector over the past decade. He reported that sales of Khadi and village industry products have surged from ₹31,000 crore to ₹1,55,000 crore, marking a fivefold increase. The sales of Khadi garments alone have increased sixfold, from ₹1,081 crore to ₹6,496 crore. Additionally, the sector has created over 10.17 lakh new jobs in the last financial year, with a notable rise in the income of Khadi artisans by 213% over the past ten years. Kumar pointed out that more than 80% of employment generated in this sector is for women, highlighting the initiative’s role in empowering female artisans.
Distribution Details and Future Prospects
The distribution of bee boxes and toolkits took place across various states, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Goa, and Uttar Pradesh, with specific locations designated for each beneficiary. The initiative aims to integrate beekeeping into the agricultural practices of farmers, thereby enhancing their income and contributing to the country’s self-reliance in honey production.
The event was attended virtually by beneficiaries of the Village Industries Development Scheme, along with officials from KVIC headquarters in Mumbai and Delhi. This initiative not only supports local economies but also aligns with the government’s broader goals of promoting sustainable practices and enhancing rural livelihoods.
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