KVIC holds a virtual celebration for ‘World Bee Day 2026’
NATIONAL: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) held a virtual celebration for ‘World Bee Day 2026’ with KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar addressing various stakeholders from New Delhi. Kumar highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming the 'White Revolution' into a 'Sweet Revolution' stressing the role of beekeeping in enhancing self-employment and rural economies.
Through KVIC’s 'Honey Mission,' approximately 2.5 lakh bee-boxes and colonies have been distributed contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector and environmental sustainability.
The event featured several programmes across different states and included a virtual inauguration of a 'Honey Exhibition' at CBRTI, Pune. Kumar stated that India has made significant strides in honeybee conservation, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
From 2017-18 to 2025-26, KVIC has distributed a total of 246,099 bee-boxes, resulting in an increase in honey production by 24,269 metric tonnes, reaching an estimated total of 5,512 metric tonnes in 2025-26. The export of honey by KVIC-affiliated beekeepers generated around Rs.31 crore during the financial year, with key markets including the USA, Canada, UAE, and several others, indicating the international acceptance of Indian honey.
Kumar urged that beekeeping be recognised as a tool for nature conservation, agricultural growth, and rural prosperity, encouraging participants to pledge for honeybee protection and to foster connections in beekeeping aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision. The programme saw sharing of experiences and success stories among participants, including KVIC officials, experts, artisans and government representatives.
This initiative reflects KVIC’s ongoing commitment towards achieving an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and aligns with the theme "Bee Together for People and the Planet" underscoring the crucial role of honeybees in environmental conservation and biodiversity enhancement.