Beekeeping business thriving in Nawalpur

By Meena Kandel,Kawasoti, Jan. 25: The beekeeping business is becoming more profitable for farmers, as they can earn a good income with nominal investment and labour. 

Although bees have traditionally been kept for domestic use, this business has started to flourish commercially in recent years. In Devchuli, Kawasoti and Gaindakot in Nawalpur, the number of farmers involved in beekeeping is gradually increasing. 

According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre of Nawalpur, more than 200 farmers are engaged in beekeeping in the district. Currently, almost all farmers harvest honey two or three times a year.

Yadunath Kandel, president of the Federation of Nepal Beekeepers in Nawalpur, mentioned that farmers who keep beehives at home typically harvest honey three to four times a year, while those who manage beehives outside may harvest honey six to eight times annually.

He also noted that the Pest Development Centre in Bandipur has been supporting farmers who are commercially involved in the beekeeping business. The demand for honey is increasing due to its health benefits.

Chairman Kandel added that the market for honey is expanding, as more people are becoming aware of its health benefits.

Bishnu Bahadur Khadka, a farmer from Devchuli-9, has been keeping bees for the past three years. Starting with five beehives, he now has 28. Khadka produced around 400 kg of honey twice this year alone. In the local market, honey is sold at Rs. 700 per kg.

Nirmala Kandel, another farmer from Devchuli, stated that she has been earning a good income from beekeeping for a long time. She chose to get into beekeeping because it required a small investment and was easier than other businesses.

The use of pesticides is a challenge in the beekeeping industry. Chairman Kandel explained that some people use pesticides due to the misconception that mustard crops will be damaged when taken for grazing in mustard fields. While flowering season is easier for grazing, there are challenges in other seasons.

Kandel also mentioned that there is a problem with grazing areas as the number of flowering plants is decreasing. In Nawalpur, farmers must transport bees to other districts for grazing in the first phase. Bees are moved from West Nawalparasi to Dang, Kapilvastu, Pyuthan and Salyan.

Environmental pollution is now directly affecting bee hives as well. Kul Prasad Tiwari, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Nawalpur, said that honey production is also declining due to a decrease in the number of naturally juice-rich flowers.

Nawalpur is expected to produce around 70 tonnes of honey this year, with prices ranging from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,000 per kg. According to Tiwari, the honey produced is primarily consumed in the local market.