Uptick in honey production in Lamjung

LAMJUNG, JANUARY 21: Honey production has increased in the hilly district of Lamjung. This year, the production rose by 29.6 tonnes compared to the previous year, according to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre (AKC), Lamjung.

Saroj Thapa, the Information Officer of AKC Lamjung, reported that 129.17 tonnes of honey were produced this year from 17,197 beehives. Local farmers mentioned that they sold honey at Rs 1,500 per kilogram, earning a total of Rs 180 million from honey sales.

In contrast, last year saw 111.3 tonnes of honey produced from 13,850 beehives. Honey was sold at Rs 900 to Rs 1,000 per kilogram, and farmers earned over Rs 90 million from the sales, according to the AKC.

In 2079 BS, only 32 tonnes of honey were produced from 10,025 beehives. The previous years saw lower production as well, with 30 tonnes from 11,500 hives in 2078 BS and 38 tonnes from 11,100 hives in 2077 BS.

Sundarbazar Municipality led the district in honey production this year, with 36,000 kg of honey produced from 4,500 beehives. This yielded Rs 54 million in revenue. The honey produced in Lamjung is supplied to markets in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other locations.

Farmers in the district have embraced modern beehives and technology to enhance production. Sundarbazar Municipality, Besisahar Municipality, and Marsyangdi Rural Municipality are the top honey-producing areas in Lamjung, according to the Nepal Beekeepers' Federation, District Branch. The Federation’s District Branch has more than 382 members involved in beekeeping.