New Delhi [India], May 25 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted a youth-led initiative from Pune focused on protecting honeybees, stating that safeguarding bees contributes to preserving the environment, agriculture, and the well-being of future generations.

Addressing the 122nd episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister highlighted the efforts of Amit, a youngster from Pune, who pioneered a safe and humane way to relocate beehives in urban areas.

PM Modi narrated how Amit responded thoughtfully when a beehive was removed from his housing society.

'I would like to tell you about another initiative. It reminds us that the protection of honeybees is not just a protection of the environment, but also that of our agriculture and future generations. Here's an example of the city of Pune. A youngster named Amit from Pune decided that bees should not be removed but rather saved when a beehive was removed from a housing society,' PM Modi said during his Mann Ki Baat address.

The Prime Minister said, 'He researched on bees & gradually formed a team called Bee Friends or 'Bee Mitra'. Now these Bee Friends transfer beehives from one place to another in a safe manner, so that people are not in danger and the honeybees also stay alive...'

Marking World Bee Day on May 20, PM Modi also drew attention to the broader significance of beekeeping for health, livelihood, and national self-reliance.

'Honey is not just sweetness; it is also an example of health, self-employment and self-reliance. During the last 11 years, a sweet revolution has taken place in beekeeping in India. Ten to eleven years ago honey production in India was around 70-75,000 metric tons in a year. Today it has increased to around 1.25 lakh metric tons, an increase of about 60 percent in honey production,' he said.

PM Modi credited the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission for this transformation, stating, 'We have become one of the leading countries in the world in honey production and export.'

'National Beekeeping and Honey Mission' has played a big role in creating this positive impact. Thousands of women and youth in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh have become honey entrepreneurs,' he noted.(ANI)