: Mumbai, May 20, 2025

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, celebrated World Bee Day 2025 at its Central Office in Vile Parle, Mumbai, under the banner ‘Sweet Revolution Utsav’. This year’s celebration was themed “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”, aligning with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming the White Revolution into a Sweet Revolution.

The grand event was inaugurated by KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar, in the presence of KVIC CEO Ms. Roop Rashi. The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from beneficiary beekeepers across various districts of Maharashtra, trainees, scientists, successful apiculturists, students, and subject experts. It served as both a technical platform and a vibrant showcase of innovation, inspiration, and self-reliance in rural India.

In his inaugural address, Shri Manoj Kumar emphasized the ecological and economic significance of bees, stating, “Bees are the backbone of our ecosystem. They not only produce honey but also enrich agriculture through pollination and contribute to environmental conservation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Honey Mission has become a major source of livelihood in rural India, he said. KVIC Chairman also stated that Prime Minister's clarion call for a ‘Sweet Revolution’ paved a new path where honey production became a source of both economic and health prosperity. KVIC's work in this direction is a significant step toward building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

The KVIC Chairman also highlighted the remarkable achievements under the Honey Mission. To date, KVIC has distributed over 2,29,409 bee boxes and bee colonies across the country, resulting in the production of approximately 20,000 metric tonnes of honey, generating an income of Rs. 325 crore for beekeepers. Shri Manoj Kumar also noted that in FY 2024-25, beekeepers associated with KVIC exported honey worth Rs. 25 crore.

KVIC CEO Ms. Roop Rashi said, “The Honey Mission is not just a scheme; it is a holistic livelihood model. Today, thousands of youth, women, and farmers in rural areas are gaining employment through this mission. The honey processing plants, training centres, and marketing networks developed by KVIC have made beekeeping a viable path to self-reliance.”

The programme spotlighted the historic contribution of the Central Bee Research & Training Institute (CBRTI), Pune, which was established in 1962. The institute has trained over 50,000 beekeepers in modern apiculture techniques. CBRTI’s role extends beyond honey production to enhancing agricultural and horticultural productivity through pollination, fostering bee-related research, and nurturing rural entrepreneurship.

During the event, scientists underscored the ecological importance of bees, revealing that they contribute to the pollination of approximately 75% of food crops. Without bees, nearly 30% of food crops and 90% of wild plant species would face serious threats.

Adding a cultural dimension to the event, children presented plays, recited poems, and shared essays, infusing the celebration with creativity and enthusiasm. Beneficiaries from across the country also shared their success stories virtually. KVIC officials, employees, and dignitaries graced the occasion, making it a memorable and impactful celebration of World Bee Day 2025.

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(Release ID: 2130045)