Kathmandu: Beekeepers in Nepal are encountering significant challenges in marketing their honey, with approximately 21 tonnes currently unsold, as reported by the Federation of Nepal Beekeepers. This situation has raised concerns among producers who are struggling to find a market for their products.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the previous year saw 69 tonnes of honey left unsold. The issue was partially addressed after beekeepers met with Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ram Nath Adhikari, to express their grievances regarding the lack of market access. Subsequently, Dabur Nepal purchased a portion of the honey, providing some relief to the farmers.
Despite these efforts, bee experts argue that the primary issue is not a lack of demand but rather a lack of consumer trust in Nepali honey. Federation Chairperson Subas Chandra Ghimire highlighted a honey fair organized in Kathmandu aimed at educating consumers and promoting the product. Bee expert Jagadish Bhakta Shrestha explained that while honey from mustard crystallizes quickly and at temperatures below 13-14 degrees Celsius, this is a natural process.
Shiv Prasad Sharma Paudel, the outgoing president of the Nepal Bee Keepers Association, emphasized the benefits of honey consumption but acknowledged the marketing challenges. He pointed out that declining sales have previously led beekeepers to consider abandoning the trade. Bikash Nepal, an operator from Kalika Municipality in Chitwan, expressed optimism that fairs could aid in marketing efforts.
Rajendra Gautam, former president of the Nepal Beekeepers’ Association, noted that the domestic honey production does not meet the country’s consumption needs, leading to market difficulties for farmers. He urged government assistance in promoting honey and dispelling misconceptions about its authenticity. Despite a favorable international market, Nepali honey is exported in limited quantities.
Sujan Amgai, head of the Honey Development Centre in Bhandara, highlighted that honey exports exceed Rs 50 million annually, showcasing potential for increased international sales if production meets global standards.
Beyond marketing, beekeepers are also concerned about challenges in foraging for bees. Issues such as pesticide use and fees for bee conservation and foraging need addressing. Farmers face restrictions in directly selling honey without a government-issued food license, complicating market access.
Januka Thapa, president of the Nepal Beekeeping Central Cooperative Association, emphasized the necessity of organizing beekeepers to tackle these challenges effectively. The ongoing Honey Festival at Bhrikuti Mandap, featuring 40 stalls and participation from all seven provinces, aims to promote honey and related products. Subash Chandra Ghimire, coordinator of the Honey Fair, stated that the event will provide insights into beekeeping technologies and species, enhancing consumer awareness.
This year, federation-affiliated farmers have produced 226 tonnes of honey. Nepal hosts 12,138 colonies of Serena bees and 6,500 colonies of Mellifera bees, with 711 and 270 farmers, respectively, raising these species under the federation’s aegis.