Honey and beekeeping have a long history in India. Honey was the first sweet food tasted by the ancient Indian inhabiting rock shelters and forests. The raw materials for the beekeeping industry are mainly pollen and nectar that come from flowering plants. Both the natural and cultivated vegetation in India constitute immense potential for the development of beekeeping. About 500 flowering plant species, both wild and cultivated, are useful as major or minor sources of nectar and pollen.

In India, about 12,699 Beekeepers and 19.34 lakhs honey bees colonies are registered with National Bee Board and India is producing about 1,33,200 Metric tonnes of Honey (2021-22 2nd advance estimate). India is one of the major honey exporting countries in the World and has exported 74,413 MT of Honey worth Rs. 1221.17 Crores during 2021-22. More than 50% of the honey production in India is being exported to other countries. India export honey to about 83 countries. The major markets for Indian honey are USA, Saudi Arab, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Canada, etc. Mustard honey, eucalyptus honey, lychee honey, sunflower honey, pongamia honey, multi-flora Himalayan honey, acacia honey and wild flora honey are some of the major varieties of honey exported from India. Total 102 projects for assistance of Rs. 133.31 crores sanctioned under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) (Source: FAO and Madhukranti Portal- MoA &FW)

Rapeseed / Mustard Honey, Eucalyptus Honey, Lychee Honey, Sunflower Honey, Karanj / Pongamea Honey, Multi-flora Himalayan Honey, Acacia Honey, Wild Flora Honey, Multi and Mono floral Honey are some of the major varieties of Natural Honey.

North East Region of India and Maharashtra are the key areas for natural honey production (Source: NBB and Madhukranti Portal- MoA &FW)

The country has exported 107963.21 MT of Natural Honey to the world for the worth of Rs. 1470.84 Crore/ 177.52 USD Millions during the year 2023-24.