KATHMANDU: Beekeepers in Nepal are grappling with serious market challenges, with around 21 tons of honey remaining unsold, according to the Federation of Nepal Beekeepers.
Last year, the unsold stock had reached 69 tons. That crisis had somewhat eased after beekeepers raised the issue with Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ram Nath Adhikari. During that period, Dabur Nepal had purchased a portion of the honey stock, providing temporary relief.
This year, however, farmers are once again concerned about excess stock and a shrinking market. According to the federation, despite an overall increase in production, the lack of demand threatens the sustainability of the beekeeping industry.
Bee experts argue that the root cause of the marketing problem is not merely low demand, but a lack of consumer trust in Nepali honey. Some consumers wrongly assume that crystallized honey is fake or of inferior quality.
“Crystallization is natural, especially in mustard-based honey and when temperatures fall below 13-14°C,” said bee expert Jagadish Bhakta Shrestha. “Heating honey to reverse crystallization causes it to lose some of its beneficial nutrients.”
To address these misconceptions and promote local honey, a honey fair is currently being held in Kathmandu. Organized by the Federation of Nepal Beekeepers, the event features 40 stalls showcasing honey, beehives, pollen, propolis, and various beekeeping equipment. Farmers from all seven provinces are participating.
“The goal of this fair is to raise awareness about the benefits and quality of Nepali honey and to promote marketing opportunities,” said Federation Chairperson Subash Chandra Ghimire, who is also the coordinator of the fair.
According to the federation, 226 tonnes of honey have been produced this year by its affiliated members. There are currently 12,138 colonies of Apis cerana (Serena bee) and 6,500 colonies of Apis mellifera under the federation, with 711 Serena bee farmers and 270 Mellifera bee farmers.
Challenges beyond marketing
In addition to market access, beekeepers are also facing difficulties related to forage and environmental sustainability. Many complain about the negative impact of increased pesticide use, which is reducing natural forage areas for bees. Farmers are also required to pay fees for bee conservation and forage, adding to their burden.
“Beekeeping farmers cannot directly sell honey in the market without a government food license,” said Januka Thapa, President of the Nepal Beekeeping Central Cooperative Association. “Not every farmer has the resources to set up a processing unit, which limits their ability to reach consumers.”
Outgoing President of the Nepal Beekeepers’ Association, Shiv Prasad Sharma Paudel, added that many beekeepers have considered quitting in the past due to poor sales. “We had to pressure the government to address marketing issues. Although there was temporary relief, the problem persists,” he said.
Paudel urged consumers to support local farmers by purchasing domestically produced honey. “Natural honey crystallizes. If it doesn’t, it might not be real,” he warned.
Bikash Nepal, a beekeeper from Chitwan and operator of B & B Honey Firm, expressed hope that the honey fair would improve sales and restore consumer confidence in Nepali honey.
Potential for export
Despite domestic challenges, experts believe that Nepali honey has strong potential in the international market.
“Honey worth more than Rs 50 million is exported from Nepal annually,” said Sujan Amgai, head of the Honey Development Centre in Bhandara. “If we can meet international standards, we can expand our exports significantly.”
Former president of the Nepal Beekeepers’ Association, Rajendra Gautam, echoed this sentiment. “The domestic market is not utilizing the full potential of local honey. Misconceptions about its authenticity continue to affect marketing efforts. The government needs to step in to promote and protect the domestic honey industry.”
(RSS)
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