Rukum Paschim, Nepal – Beekeepers in the Rukum Paschim district of Nepal have harvested a sweet success, selling four metric tons of honey in the past six months and earning Rs 4 million (approximately $30,000 USD), according to Lal Bahadur Bhandari, Information Officer at the District Agriculture Office.

The high-quality honey fetches a price of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 (approximately $7.50 - $9 USD) per kilogram. The primary honey-producing regions are Banphikot and Athbiskot Rural Municipalities. Other contributing areas include Sanibheri and Triveni Rural Municipalities, as well as Musikot and Chaurajahari Municipalities.

Approximately 200 farmers in the district are involved in beekeeping, with 150 operating on a commercial scale. The honey is popular locally and is also exported to larger cities within Nepal, including Surkhet, Dang, and Kathmandu, demonstrating the growing demand for this local product.

Beekeeping has proven to be a lucrative venture for local farmers. According to Information Officer Bhandari, a single farmer can earn up to Rs 300,000 (approximately $2,250 USD) in a season, contributing significantly to their livelihoods and boosting the local economy. This success highlights the potential of beekeeping as a sustainable and profitable agricultural practice in the region.