Beekeeping Thrives in Nawalpur: Farmers Reap Good Income from Honey Production

January 16, 2025
Beekeeping Thrives in Nawalpur

Bishnu Bahadur Khadka from Devchuli Municipality-9, Nawalpur, is currently busy managing pasture for bees and harvesting honey. Starting with just two beehives two years ago, he now owns 28 hives.

This year alone, Khadka has produced about 400 kilograms of honey in two harvests. He explains that the blooming mustard season allows for faster honey production, providing him with a good source of income. In the local market, honey sells for around NPR 700 per kilogram. Khadka believes beekeeping is an excellent business for farmers as it requires minimal investment and effort while yielding good profits.

Similarly, Jasamati Rana from the same area has also found success in beekeeping. Starting with two hives six years ago, she now manages eight hives. Rana produces up to 300 kilograms of honey annually, which helps cover her household expenses. She mentioned that expanding the business could bring even better earnings if the market for honey remains stable.

According to Yadunath Kandel, President of the Nepal Beekeepers Federation, Nawalpur, most farmers are currently engaged in honey harvesting. Farmers who manage pasture for their bees can harvest honey six to eight times a year, while those keeping hives at home typically harvest three to four times annually.

Beekeeping is growing steadily in areas like Devchuli, Kawasoti, and Gaindakot. However, the business has yet to take off in the hill regions. The Commercial Insect Development Center in Bandipur provides support to farmers pursuing beekeeping as a business.

To ensure adequate pasture for the bees, farmers transport hives as far west as Dang and east to Chitwan. However, pesticide use remains a significant challenge for the industry. While mustard blooming seasons are favorable, finding sufficient pasture during other times of the year remains difficult. Farmers also noted that the decreasing number of native flowering plants has further reduced available pastures.

The Nepal Beekeepers Federation estimates that Nawalpur will produce around 70 tons of honey this year. Depending on the quality, honey sells for NPR 700 to 1,000 per kilogram, with most of it consumed locally. Efforts are underway to find and manage additional markets.

Honey is widely regarded as beneficial for health. According to Kandel, public awareness about its health benefits has been increasing, contributing to the expanding market for honey.

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