Honey production declines in Jajarkot

By Basudev Sharma,Jajarkot, Jan. 21: Honey production in Jajarkot has declined by nearly 20 per cent this year compared to last year, worrying local farmers.

Farmers said untimely rainfall and temperature rise have reduced honey yields, making it difficult for commercial beekeepers to manage household expenses. 

While honey production stood at 9.5 kg per hive last year, it dropped to 7.81 kg this year. Bijay Kumar Mandal, head of the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernisation Programme unit in Jajarkot, said the Cerana species of bees is common in hilly areas. 

He explained that excessive rainfall prevents bees from foraging, forcing them to consume stored honey, while rain and cold weather cause flower nectar to fall or dry up.

Man Bahadur Rana of Nalgad Municipality-3 said he produced 500 kg of honey from 80 hives last year, but only 200 kg this year due to rain and cold. He said honey sales had helped cover daily expenses and children’s education, but reduced production has put farmers under pressure.

Despite the decline, Rana said he would continue beekeeping. However, fewer customers are now visiting villages due to the shortage of honey. In urban markets, honey is selling at Rs 1,500 per kg.

Rashmi Khadka Neupane, a technician at the agriculture modernisation unit, said 58,734 kg of honey was produced in programme zones, marking a 20 per cent decline from last year. Beekeepers in four local levels earned around Rs. 58.7 million from honey sales.

She said heavy rainfall during the honey collection season destroyed nectar from key flowering plants such as chiuri and mustard. Under the programme, 7,514 bee hives have been distributed through government offices, cooperatives and groups.

Jajarkot Agriculture Development Office chief Bidhya Gautam said all three levels of government are involved in honey production, but accurate data is still lacking. He added that changing weather patterns due to climate change have significantly reduced honey yields.