The Haryana government has brought beekeeping under the Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana (Chief Minister Horticulture Insurance Scheme), extending financial protection to beekeepers against losses caused by natural disasters, accidents and epidemics affecting bee colonies.
Announcing the decision, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said the initiative would provide financial security to farmers and entrepreneurs engaged in beekeeping and help reduce the risks associated with the business.
Under the scheme, losses caused by bee boxes and colonies being submerged during floods, destroyed in fires, or damaged in transportation accidents will be covered. However, transportation-related accidents must occur within Haryana, and an official First Information Report (FIR) or Daily Diary Report (DDR) must be registered to qualify for insurance coverage. The scheme will also provide compensation for losses caused by epidemics affecting bees.
Eligibility and Registration
According to the minister, insurance coverage will be available for a maximum of 250 bee colonies and 250 bee boxes per beekeeper. Beekeepers must register under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana–Honey scheme to avail themselves of the insurance benefits. They will also be required to provide the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana unit number for each bee box.
Insurance Premium and Coverage
The government has fixed an insurance premium of Rs. 50 per bee colony and Rs. 50 per bee box. The scheme provides an insurance amount of Rs. 1,250 per colony and Rs. 1,250 per box, with the maximum insurance amount specified at Rs. 3,12,500 each for colonies and boxes.
The minister urged beekeepers to take advantage of the scheme to protect their livelihoods against unforeseen losses. For further information, beekeepers can contact their respective District Horticulture Officer or call the Haryana Horticulture Department’s toll-free helpline at 1800-180-2021.