Beekeepers are concerned about declining honey market
Beekeepers in Urlabari face difficulties selling excess honey, despite good production from mustard, buckwheat, and Filunge sources, and a doubled increase in wild honey production. Bodh Raj Khatiwada, a beekeeper in Urlabari Municipality-3, reports a surplus of 1,200 kg of honey, but no sale due to a shortage of pots. Beekeepers struggle to sell Nepali honey due to cheaper Indian options, despite the growing demand for daily consumption. Ananta Ram Khatiwada and Luintel have produced 500 and 100 kg of honey commercially, respectively. In the past six months, Nepal has exported 4,486 kg of honey valued at Rs. 27.37 million. Nepal imports 24,794 kg of honey worth Rs. 57.25 million, while exports average Rs. 6,100 per kg. Despite increased honey production, export issues persist. Nepal Beekeepers report 4,945 tonnes of honey produced, but 6,000 tonnes consumed, leading to a shortfall of 1,000-1,500 tonnes. Inedible honey is sold due to consumer ignorance.
