Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM)

Introduction 

Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM) is a government initiative launched by the Government of India under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) to promote scientific beekeeping and support pollination for agricultural productivity. Introduced as part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), this scheme aims to address the critical need for enhanced pollination services in crop production, which directly contributes to higher yields and better quality produce. The scheme recognizes the vital role of honeybees in pollinating many crops, increasing fruit setting and seed production, thereby benefiting farmers significantly.

The scheme was officially launched around 2020-21 to boost income and employment generation for farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and entrepreneurs engaged in beekeeping activities. It provides financial assistance and technical support for setting up beekeeping units, training farmers, and creating infrastructure for honey and other beekeeping products. The focus is on integrated development, including pollination support, post-harvest management, and research in beekeeping practices.

Overview of the Scheme

Pollination Support through Beekeeping is a key component under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), implemented by the Government of India through the Department of Agriculture and cooperation with the National Bee Board (NBB). The initiative is a central sector scheme fully funded by the Government of India (100% central share) and coordinated by the National Bee Board at the national level, with implementation support from state horticulture or agriculture departments, designated state agencies, and local institutions. The scheme was revamped under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) to promote scientific beekeeping and enhance crop productivity through improved pollination.

The funding pattern supports various activities such as development of nucleus stock of honey bees, distribution of bee colonies and hives, beekeeping equipment, training, and capacity building. For example, financial assistance up to 40% of the cost is provided for bee colonies, hives, and equipment, with specific limits per beneficiary. The scheme also supports setting up integrated beekeeping centers, honey testing laboratories, custom hiring centers for pollination services, and promotion of bee-friendly plantations.

The coverage includes inputs for beekeeping, machinery, value addition infrastructure, training of farmers and beekeepers, credit facilitation, and institutional strengthening. Currently, the scheme is ongoing and is integrated with other allied missions to promote sustainable agriculture and boost farmers’ income through better pollination and honey production.

Key points:

• Launched by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
• Implemented through National Bee Board and State Horticulture Departments
• Funding: 100% Central government for main activities; cost-sharing varying by component
• Coverage: bee colonies, equipment, training, infrastructure, custom hiring centers
• Status: Ongoing under NBHM with active state coordination and institutional support

Objectives 

The Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM) has clear objectives aimed at promoting scientific beekeeping to enhance agricultural productivity and farmer income. The goals focus on holistic development in beekeeping and horticulture aligned with regional needs.

Key objectives of the agriculture scheme include:

• Promote the growth of the horticulture sector by supporting pollination using honey bees as natural agents.
• Increase crop productivity and quality through effective pollination services.
• Support production of nucleus stock, bee colonies, hives, and beekeeping equipment for farmers and entrepreneurs.
• Encourage skill development, training, and capacity building for beekeepers and farming communities.
• Facilitate establishment of beekeeping infrastructure like Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres for scientific practices.
• Augment farmers’ income and create employment opportunities across beekeeping and pollination-related activities.
• Enhance post-harvest management, value addition, and marketing of honey and other bee products.
• Promote formation and strengthening of farmer groups, self-help groups (SHGs), and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) involved in beekeeping.
• Support research and technology development to improve beekeeping methods and regional adaptation.

Key Features / Benefits 

Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM) offers several important features and benefits designed to support farmers, beekeepers, and rural communities through scientific beekeeping and enhanced pollination.

• Subsidy for Beekeeping Equipment and Colonies

The scheme provides financial assistance for the purchase of bee colonies, hives, and essential beekeeping equipment to reduce initial investment costs. (Example: A farmer buying bee hives and colonies can receive up to 40% subsidy.)

• Increase in Crop Yields and Quality

By promoting pollination through honey bees, the scheme helps improve the quantity and quality of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds, boosting farmers’ income.

• Infrastructure Development

Support is given for setting up Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres, honey testing laboratories, bee disease diagnostic labs, and custom hiring centers for pollination services.

• Training and Capacity Building

Farmers, beekeepers, and entrepreneurs receive training in modern beekeeping techniques and pollination management for better productivity and sustainability.

• Empowerment of Women and SHGs

Special focus is placed on women’s participation by facilitating access to resources and training, enabling them to be active in beekeeping enterprises.

• Research and Technology Promotion

The scheme encourages research for improving beekeeping methods, quality honey production, and region-specific technology adaptation.

• Support for Value Addition and Marketing

Assistance is available for post-harvest processing, packaging, and marketing of honey and other beehive products.

• Environmental and Biodiversity Benefits

Pollination boosts biodiversity and supports sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for chemical inputs.

• 100% Central Funding

The scheme is fully funded by the Government of India under the NBHM as a central sector scheme, ensuring wide access to benefits.

Eligibility Criteria 

Eligibility for Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM) is designed to include a range of beneficiaries involved in agriculture and beekeeping, ensuring that support reaches those who can actively contribute to and benefit from pollination and beekeeping activities.

Farmers:

• Individual farmers engaged in agriculture are eligible, provided they have valid landholding proof or farming residency in the region.
• Age or identity documents like Aadhaar card may be required to establish identity and eligibility.
• Being a farmer ensures the scheme benefits those directly involved in crop production needing pollination support.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs):

• Registered SHGs actively involved in agriculture or bee-keeping activities can apply.
• Groups must have an operational bank account to receive financial assistance.
• Registration with local/state authorities or agriculture departments is important to confirm group legitimacy.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):

• FPOs registered under the Companies Act or Cooperative Societies Act with a minimum number of farmer members are eligible.
• Organizations must demonstrate active operations in agriculture or allied activities like beekeeping.
• This ensures the scheme supports collective farming enterprises for wider impact.

Entrepreneurs/Startups/MSMEs:

• Registered entrepreneurs and MSMEs with valid UDYAM or GST registration can avail benefits.
• Business entities involved in beekeeping equipment production, honey processing, or pollination services qualify.
• This inclusion boosts innovation and business expansion in the beekeeping sector.

Special Categories:

• Special provisions and higher subsidy rates are offered for women, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and people from North Eastern and hilly regions to encourage inclusive development.

Not Eligible:

• Applicants already receiving duplicate benefits for the same activity or those involved in non-agriculture-related beekeeping may be excluded.

Mandatory Documents:

• Commonly required documents include Aadhaar card, landholding records or farming proof, bank passbook for subsidy transfer, registration certificates for SHGs/FPOs/MSMEs, and detailed project proposals or quotations when applicable.
• These documents help verify eligibility and ensure transparent implementation.

Application Process

The application process for Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM) is designed to be straightforward, enabling farmers, SHGs, FPOs, and entrepreneurs to access benefits smoothly.

Where to Apply

Applicants can apply online through the official scheme portal “Myscheme.gov.in” or the National Bee Board’s web portal. Some states may also allow application via the local Horticulture or Agriculture Department offices, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), or ATMA offices.

Registration/Login

Users must first create an account or log in using a valid mobile number and Aadhaar card. Personal or organization details need to be verified during registration.

Filling the Application Form

Applicants fill in beneficiary details (name, address, ID), land or farm information, select the components they want support for (e.g., bee colonies, hives, training), and provide bank account details for subsidy transfer.

Uploading Documents

Mandatory documents include Aadhaar card, land ownership or farming proof, bank passbook copy, registration certificates (for SHGs/FPOs/MSMEs), detailed project proposal or scheme-specific format, and quotations for equipment purchase.

Application Fee

There is typically no application fee for this scheme as it is fully funded by the central government.

Acknowledgment and Application ID

Once submitted, an acknowledgment with a unique application ID is generated. This ID should be saved for tracking.

Verification and Inspection

Field verification or physical inspection of the proposed site may be conducted by officials to validate the application and readiness.

Approval and Assistance Release

After approval, the subsidy or grant amount is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Timelines vary by state but usually span a few weeks to months.

Offline Application

Applicants can also approach nearest Agriculture Department offices, KVKs, or Block offices to get application forms and assistance in filing online applications.

Official helplines:

• Email: support-myscheme@digitalindia.gov.in
• Phone: 011-24303714 (9 AM–5:30 PM)

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Ensure name and Aadhaar details exactly match across documents to avoid rejection.
• Upload clear, complete copies of land records and bank details.
• Fill all form sections carefully, especially bank info for subsidy.
• Submit applications early before deadlines and keep copies of acknowledgements.

Challenges or Limitations 

Like any government scheme, Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM) faces some common challenges and limitations. Understanding these helps applicants and stakeholders navigate the process effectively and make the most of the benefits offered.

Limited Regional Reach → The scheme’s impact is mostly in regions suitable for beekeeping with favorable climate and flora. What to do: Interested beneficiaries in less-covered areas should focus on developing local bee-friendly plants and coordinate with local agriculture offices for tailored support.

Awareness and Participation Gaps → Many potential farmers and groups may not fully know about the scheme or how to avail benefits. What to do: Engage with village-level workers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, or agriculture extension officers for guidance and regular scheme updates.

Verification and Documentation Delays → Delays can occur in application verification due to incomplete or mismatched documents. What to do: Keep land records, Aadhaar, and bank details updated and consistent. Submit all required documents comprehensively to avoid holds.

Seasonal Constraints → Beekeeping activities depend on seasons and flowering patterns, limiting when support can be effectively used. What to do: Plan applications and beekeeping schedules according to seasonal calendars advised by local experts.

Infrastructure Shortages → Some areas still lack facilities like honey testing labs or disease diagnostic centers. What to do: Advocate through local committees for infrastructure development and use available regional centers efficiently.

Risk of Diseases → Concentrated beekeeping without proper monitoring may cause disease outbreaks among bee colonies. What to do: Follow scientific practices promoted under the scheme and participate in training for disease management.

Fund Distribution Challenges → Timely and equitable subsidy release can be difficult in remote or marginalized communities. What to do: Maintain clear bank records and follow up through official helplines or local agriculture offices for status updates.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM) is closely linked with several other agricultural missions to create a comprehensive support system for farmers and beekeepers. This convergence helps maximize benefits by pooling resources and expertise from different schemes. It works under the broader Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and coordinates with other programs such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA).

This linkage allows farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to combine assistance from multiple schemes for greater impact. For example, an FPO involved in fruit cultivation can benefit from Pollination Support through Beekeeping to increase crop yield, while simultaneously using MIDH grants for post-harvest infrastructure development, thereby improving both production and marketing outcomes.

The National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) was revamped with updated guidelines and dedicated funding extended through 2022-23. The ongoing government support focuses on expanding infrastructure, research, and training to promote scientific beekeeping nationwide.

Looking ahead, stronger convergence with other agriculture missions, increased innovation, and wider engagement of farmer groups are key to achieving sustainable growth and higher income levels through Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM). This integrated approach is essential for realizing the vision of a “Sweet Revolution” in India.

Conclusion 

Pollination Support through Beekeeping (MIDH/NBHM) plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and improving farmer incomes by promoting scientific beekeeping and natural crop pollination. It primarily benefits individual farmers, self-help groups, farmer producer organizations, and entrepreneurs engaged in beekeeping activities. The scheme supports increased crop yields, sustainable farming practices, and quality honey production, making it a valuable agriculture scheme for both livelihood support and environmental balance. Farmers and groups interested in applying should first check their eligibility on the official portal Myscheme.gov.in, prepare required documents like land records and identification proof, and consider reaching out to their local agriculture office for guidance. Staying up to date through official websites and helplines ensures smooth application and access to benefits. 

Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002628.