In line with Mahatma Gandhi's vision and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a ‘sweet revolution’ along with the white revolution, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on World Bee Day. The event focused on creating awareness about the vital role of bees and other pollinators in maintaining human health and addressing various challenges.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of a honey parlour and exhibition, showcasing the significance of honey production and its various applications. The CBRTI also released a short film highlighting its journey and achievements in the field of beekeeping. The institute recognized and awarded scientists, beekeepers, and employees of the Commission for their exceptional work in promoting beekeeping.
To mark the occasion, Narayan Rane, Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, digitally distributed 800 bee boxes to beekeepers. Speaking at the event, he shared that India has produced 133,200 metric tonnes of honey this year, resulting in sales worth Rs. 30,000 crores. He also mentioned the disbursement of a margin money subsidy of approximately Rs. 300 crores under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Minister of State for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, highlighted the significant contribution of MSMEs to India's economy. He stated that the sector contributes one-third of the total GDP and accounts for 48% of the country's total exports. Furthermore, he emphasized that the per capita income of the people has increased from Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 1.95 lakhs due to MSMEs' efforts.
Chairman of KVIC, Manoj Kumar, expressed his gratitude towards beekeepers and underscored the importance of saving bees for human life. He mentioned that KVIC took up the initiative of promoting the traditional beekeeping industry after the Prime Minister's call in August 2017. Through the Honey Mission, KVIC has distributed over 1,86,000 bee boxes and created 18,600 direct employments since its inception in 2017-18.
This has resulted in a significant increase in agricultural production, with yields improving from 25% to 40%. Chairman Kumar also announced a 35% increase in the income of Khadi artisans, leading to a remarkable 150% increase in their overall earnings. He further highlighted the disbursal of a margin money subsidy of approximately Rs. 300 crores, benefiting 819 beneficiaries and enabling about 55,000 unemployed individuals to find employment.
The Chairman emphasized that these initiatives align with Prime Minister Modi's "Local to Global" campaign, aiming to make India a global leader in the production of high-quality honey that meets international standards. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the income of artisans in the sector.
The KVIC's celebration of its Diamond Jubilee on World Bee Day signifies the Commission's commitment to promoting beekeeping, conserving bees, and uplifting the lives of beekeepers and farmers. With their efforts, they are taking steps towards realizing Mahatma Gandhi's vision and creating a sustainable future for both humans and bees.
