Bharatpur, Nov 27: The Federation of Beekeepers Nepal has released updated data on the number of Apis mellifera (Western or European honey bee) colonies used for commercial production, along with the latest honey output figures.
According to the Federation, 2,175 farmers across the country are engaged in commercial beekeeping, collectively managing 115,183 hives. Annual honey production from these operations stands at 4,192 tonnes, the Federation said at a press meet in Bharatpur today.
The Federation has expressed strong objection to the government’s recent decision to allow multinational companies to import honey under a quota system. The ministerial-level decision, made on September 23, has angered domestic producers, said outgoing Chair Shiva Prasad Sharma Paudel.
Although the country has the potential to produce up to 30,000 metric tonnes of honey annually based on available floral resources, current combined output from Apis mellifera and Apis cerana is only around 6,000 metric tonnes. Farmers are struggling to access markets, and the government should intervene by purchasing at least half of their total production, Paudel stressed.
Region-wise estimates indicate that 318 farmers in Chitwan will produce 1,070 tonnes of honey from 26,750 hives, while 350 farmers in Dang are expected to produce 1,040 tonnes from 26,000 hives.
Similarly, 300 farmers in Morang are projected to produce 226 tonnes from 6,500 hives, and 500 farmers in Jhapa are expected to produce 280 tonnes from 8,000 hives.
Other honey-producing districts include Pyuthan, Sarlahi, Makawanpur and Kapilvastu. Commercial beekeeping is now practised in more than 30 districts. The Federation added that only farmers keeping more than 10 hives are registered with it, although many others operate with fewer hives. #honey #nepal
