Beekeeping & Honey production

#4. Beekeeping & Honey Production

Startup Overview:

          Beekeeping is one of the simplest, nature-friendly agri-startups that needs low investment and gives high profits. Even better? The government is offering up to 80% subsidy under the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM). In Tamil Nadu, farmers and youth are making ₹1–2 Lakhs per month through this buzzing business!

Hiring/Business Scope:

          You can either start your own brand or supply raw honey and bee products to:

   • Ayurvedic & organic brands

   • Supermarkets & herbal stores

   • Exporters (huge demand for organic honey!)

   • Direct consumers through social media & e-commerce

Basic Qualifications:

   • No degree required!

   • But attending a Beekeeping Training Program (by ICAR or KVK) is highly recommended.

Additional Requirements:

   • Open space (for hives)

   • Protective gear & tools

   • Time to maintain colonies weekly

   • Basic marketing skills if going B2C

How to Get Certified (Low Budget):

   • Join 1-week training at KVKs or State Agri Universities (Fee: ₹1,000–₹3,000)

   • Get NABARD or NBHM recognized certification

   • Bonus: Some programs offer free starter kits

Future Career Opportunities:

   • Set up a Honey Processing & Packaging Unit

   • Export organic bee products

   • Offer Pollination Services to farms (high demand in horticulture)

   • Start a Bee Tourism or Agri Edu-Center

Earnings & Growth:

   • Initial Investment: ₹1 Lakh – ₹5 Lakhs

   • With Subsidy: Starts from ₹20,000 onwards

   • Monthly Profit: ₹50,000 to ₹2 Lakhs

   • ROI: Within 6–12 months

   • Income sources: Honey, Beeswax, Royal Jelly, Propolis, Bee Pollen

How to Apply (Step-by-Step):

1. Get trained at ICAR/KVK

2. Register under NBHM or NABARD schemes

3. Apply for subsidy at nbhm.gov.in or tnhorticulture.tn.gov.in

4. Set up the unit, apply for MSME/Udyam loan

5. Start selling B2B or online!

Success Story :

     Josephine Arokiya Mary – Tamil Nadu’s “Queen Bee”

         Josephine Arokiya Mary, a resilient woman from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, began her beekeeping journey in 2006 with just ₹5,000 and 10 bee boxes. What started as a small initiative grew into a thriving enterprise with over 7,000 bee boxes under her care.

         Through sheer dedication and smart planning, she built a monthly income of ₹1 lakh, proving that even with minimal resources, rural entrepreneurship can thrive.

         But her impact goes far beyond earnings. Josephine trained and empowered over 1,800 women in apiculture, transforming beekeeping into a sustainable livelihood for many families in her community.

         Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Josephine was honored with a National Award for Apiculture, making her a true role model for aspiring agripreneurs in India.

How to Apply for Support:

   • Official Portal: nbhm.gov.in

   • Training Info: Contact nearby KVKs or State Agri Universities

   • Loans & MSME: Apply via udyamregistration.gov.in

Disclaimer: 

Govt schemes may change. Always check official websites before applying.