Beekeeping: Haryana has launched a major initiative to promote beekeeping among farmers in an effort to enhance rural income and encourage sustainable agricultural practices. Under the scheme introduced by the Haryana Horticulture Department, farmers are being offered subsidies ranging from 75 to 85 percent for setting up beekeeping units.

Agriculture experts say beekeeping is emerging as an effective and stable source of additional income for farmers. Apart from honey production, the practice also improves crop pollination, which can significantly increase agricultural yield. Officials believe the initiative will help reduce farmers’ dependence on traditional farming alone and lower financial risks.

Under the subsidy scheme, farmers can receive financial assistance for purchasing bee boxes and bee colonies.

For bee boxes, the cost per unit has been fixed at 2,250 rupees, with a subsidy of more than 1,707 rupees available per box. Each farmer can avail benefits for up to 50 bee boxes.

Similarly, for an eight-frame bee colony, the cost has been set at 2,000 rupees per colony, with nearly 1,700 rupees being provided as subsidy. Farmers can receive assistance for a maximum of 50 colonies.

Experts highlight that bees are natural pollinators and play a crucial role in improving crop productivity. Better pollination not only enhances the quality of crops but also increases overall farm output, giving farmers dual benefits through honey sales and higher agricultural production.

The department has advised interested farmers to participate in training camps organized by horticulture officials before starting beekeeping activities. Farmers have also been asked to contact their respective district horticulture officers and keep essential documents such as Aadhaar card, land ownership papers, and bank account details ready to apply for the scheme.