Patna: The Bihar Agriculture Department is offering landless farmers a new source of income and employment through its Beekeeping and Honey Production Scheme. The initiative provides financial assistance and training to farmers, helping them generate income from honey and related products while boosting overall crop productivity.
Financial Support and Application Process
Under the scheme, farmers trained by government institutions can apply online until February 5, 2026 to avail 50% subsidy on beekeeping and honey production units.
Key subsidy rates include:
- Beehive box: ₹4,000 per unit
- Beehive frame: ₹2,000 per unit
- Honey extraction unit: ₹20,000 per unit (50% subsidy)
Farmers must be registered under DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to qualify. Beneficiaries will be selected through a lottery system, and the scheme is limited to new beekeepers; those who benefited in the last three years under the Horticulture Directorate program are ineligible this year.
Applications can be submitted via the Agriculture Department website or the Bihar Krishi App.
Read also: Bihar Launches Mission to Preserve Historical and Cultural Manuscripts Ahead of Bihar Day 2026
Boosting Crop Productivity Through Pollination
Apart from honey production, beekeeping enhances crop yields through natural pollination. Bees help increase the quantity and quality of fruits, vegetables, and oilseed crops, providing farmers with dual benefits: income from honey, wax, and other by-products, and improved productivity of other crops.
Promoting Scientific Beekeeping in Bihar
The scheme aims to strengthen scientific beekeeping in the state through:
- Quality control and standardization
- Processing, packaging, and testing
- Marketing support for honey and by-products
These measures are helping landless farmers improve livelihoods and contributing to economic growth in Bihar.
Impact on Farmers
The initiative has already brought financial stability and prosperity to farmers participating in the program. By combining income from honey with enhanced agricultural productivity, Bihar’s landless farmers are now better equipped to secure a sustainable livelihood.
