Shahjahanpur: Beekeeping is emerging as a promising source of additional income for farmers and rural youth in Shahjahanpur under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission (MIDH), as the Uttar Pradesh government promotes agricultural diversification and allied activities to strengthen rural livelihoods.
Under the mission’s Pollination Support and Beekeeping programme, farmers receive a direct subsidy of Rs 1.28 lakh for a standard commercial beekeeping unit. The subsidy is transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). A unit includes 50 honey bee colonies, beehives, a honey extraction machine and essential safety equipment.
The initiative is particularly useful for small and marginal farmers and even landless beneficiaries, as beehives can be installed on field boundaries or unused land without requiring large areas. Besides generating income through honey, beeswax and pollen, increased pollination can improve the productivity of crops such as mustard, pulses, fruits and vegetables.
A successful example is Vedram, a progressive farmer from Dhaka village in Tilhar. Traditionally engaged in paddy, wheat and sugarcane cultivation, he explored beekeeping after rising input costs and limited returns put pressure on his farm income.
After receiving departmental guidance, Vedram applied online through the MIDH portal during 2025-26. Following document verification and a field inspection under the “first come, first served” system, he was approved for a commercial beekeeping unit. The total establishment cost was around Rs 2.56 lakh, of which Rs 1.28 lakh was provided as subsidy through DBT.
With government support and technical guidance, Vedram established his bee colonies and modern equipment. His operating expenditure during the first production cycle was around Rs 70,000. After marketing honey and allied products and deducting expenses, he earned a net profit of approximately Rs 1.25 lakh.
His success has attracted farmers and rural youth from neighbouring villages, with his farm now serving as a local demonstration point for beekeeping.
During 2025-26, Shahjahanpur achieved 100 per cent of its target of establishing eight beekeeping units for general and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers. Encouraged by the response, the district administration has proposed 10 additional units at the state level.
Beneficiaries are also being provided practical training in bee colony management, seasonal hive care, honey extraction, processing and packaging through horticulture training centres and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Officials said continued monitoring, timely financial assistance and technical support are helping accelerate agricultural diversification in Shahjahanpur. The expansion of beekeeping is expected to create local self-employment opportunities while contributing to honey production and strengthening the rural economy.
