Madannagar: Binod Hamal, a pioneering beekeeper from Madannagar of Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City-6 in the Dang district, has become a trailblazer in the beekeeping sector in the western region of the country. His efforts not only generate substantial revenue but also serve as an inspiration for communities in neighboring districts.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Hamal embarked on his beekeeping journey in the late 1990s, and his success has motivated hundreds of young people to pursue similar ventures. Presently, around 500 youths in the Dang district are involved in beekeeping, thanks to the training and inspiration provided by Hamal.
Hamal highlighted the growth of the beekeeping community, stating, “We were very few people in beekeeping in the early days. Now, the number of beekeepers has reached 500 only in Dang district. Attraction of youths has increased to beekeeping since it is a profitable business even from the limited investment.”
The favorable weather conditions and the abundant yield of mustard and maize flowers, which are beneficial for bee grazing, have contributed significantly to the expansion of this industry. Hamal has established a company that directly employs 15 individuals and indirectly supports hundreds more.
Producing nearly 100,000 kgs of honey annually, Hamal sells his product at a minimum rate of Rs 500 per kg. He explains, “Rs 500 per kg is a minimum rate. The rate of honey depends on the source of flowers.” His operations extend beyond Dang, as he travels to Kailali and Bardiya districts with 500 beehives for grazing.
The Tarai districts, including Kailali, Bardiya, Banke, and Dang, have become popular destinations for beekeepers seeking to graze their bees on mustard flowers. Despite the challenges, Hamal asserts that there is no difficulty in selling honey, emphasizing, “We don’t have to go for foreign jobs for money. Beekeeping is profitable here.”