National Beekeeping & Honey Mission — Bee Box Subsidy

What is the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)?

The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a Government of India initiative launched under the AtmaNirbhar Bharat package to promote scientific beekeeping and double honey production in India. The scheme provides 80–90% subsidy on:

• Bee colonies (bee boxes with bees)
• Honey processing equipment (extractors, wax melters)
• Queen rearing units
• Training for new beekeepers

NBHM is implemented through the National Bee Board (NBB), state agriculture/horticulture departments, and NABARD.

Key Benefits

Subsidy is provided on verified invoices from approved suppliers — buy from NBB-approved vendors to claim subsidy.

Who is Eligible?

You ARE eligible if:

• You are a farmer, landless labourer, or rural entrepreneur
• You want to take up beekeeping as a livelihood or supplementary income
• You have or can arrange land/orchard for placing hive boxes

Priority categories:

• SC/ST applicants — 90% subsidy (vs 80% for general)
• Women beekeepers — 90% subsidy
• FPOs and cooperative societies — eligible for group applications

You are NOT eligible if:

• You are an income tax payer (for highest subsidy slabs)
• You are already covered under another beekeeping subsidy scheme in the same year

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar Card — identity and DBT
2. Bank passbook — Aadhaar-linked
3. Caste certificate — for SC/ST (90% subsidy)
4. Land records or orchard certificate — to show placement area
5. Application form — from state horticulture / NBB
6. Photographs

How to Apply — Step by Step

Step 1 — Contact NBB or State Department

Reach out to:

• National Bee Board regional office (contact via nbb.gov.in)
• Your District Horticulture Officer
• NABARD district office (for rural enterprise loan linkage)

Step 2 — Attend Beekeeping Training

NBHM requires applicants to complete a basic beekeeping training (typically 5–7 days, free of cost) before receiving subsidised equipment. Training is provided at:

• State Agriculture Universities
• KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras)
• NBB-empanelled training centres

Step 3 — Submit Application

After training, submit the NBHM application form with:

• Training completion certificate
• Aadhaar, caste certificate, land documents
• Bank details

Step 4 — Receive Approval

The district/state department verifies documents and issues a work order specifying how many bee boxes and equipment you can procure.

Step 5 — Purchase from Approved Supplier

Buy bee colonies, boxes, and equipment from NBB-approved suppliers and collect original invoices.

Step 6 — Subsidy Disbursement

Submit invoices and inspection report → subsidy credited to your bank account via DBT.

Income from Beekeeping

Beekeeping is a zero-land activity — boxes can be placed on leased land, orchards, or farm boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I don't have a farm. Can I still do beekeeping?

Yes. Bee boxes can be placed on any land — your own, leased, or even orchard margins. Many beekeepers are landless labourers who keep hives on contract with orchard owners.

2. Is training mandatory before getting the subsidy?

Yes. NBHM requires basic beekeeping training as a pre-condition. The training is free and typically 5–7 days. You will receive a certificate that is required for the application.

3. How many bee boxes can I get under NBHM?

Typically 10–50 boxes per beneficiary for initial setup (varies by state and available budget). Check with your District Horticulture Officer for the current limit.

4. Where do I get NBB-approved suppliers?

Visit nbb.gov.in to find the list of registered bee suppliers, queen breeders, and equipment manufacturers in your region.

5. Can a women's SHG apply as a group for beekeeping?

Yes. Group applications are encouraged. An SHG can apply for a collective beekeeping unit and receive 90% subsidy as women beneficiaries.

Official Links