Dharan. Yubaraj Bhattarai of Itahari Sub-metropolitan City-4 here is earning more than Rs. 800,000 annually by keeping bees. If the weather is favorable for beekeeping, a lot of honey is produced. Bhattarai has set an example that a lot of income can be made from beekeeping using modern technology.
‘I started beekeeping in 2072 BS on the advice of my father,’ he said. He currently keeps 62 beehives. He said that nine to 12 quintals of honey are produced annually and he is earning more than Rs. 800,000 from it.
Initially, there was a problem with the market for honey production. Now that problem has been solved. The honey produced is sold. Bees do not need to be cared for daily. He says that the condition of the hive, the activity of the bees, whether the nectar has reached the flower to eat, and whether there is any disease are monitored every four to five days.
Bhattrai is raising European mellifera bees. This breed of bees is disease-resistant and produces a lot of honey. The hive should be placed in a sunny place. Bees need flowering plants as a source of water and a quiet environment. Therefore, the location should be changed every one to two months.
The honey produced in Bhattarai’s farm is sold in the local market as well as in Biratnagar, Damak and Kathmandu. ‘Whenever I order online, I send it by courier,’ said Bhattarai. ‘The price of honey is determined based on quality, taste and cost. I have been bringing bees to feed most of my mustard gardens, mango, litchi, sunflower and other gardens according to the season. Currently, I have been selling honey at Rs 1,000 per kg. I have also been selling beehives with bees at Rs 10,000 along with honey,’ he said.
The Itahari Sub-metropolitan City has provided some equipment and beehive grants every year. He said that if the government provides support for modern technology beehives and beekeeping skills along with a market study to further organize this, there is a good possibility of income.
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