BHOJPUR: An increasing number of farmers in Bhojpur are embracing commercial beekeeping, drawn by its low investment cost, simple maintenance, and growing market demand. What once served as a side activity is now emerging as a primary source of income for many rural households.
Farmers in Temkemaiyung, Pauwadung, and Ramprasadrai Rural Municipalities have shifted toward beekeeping alongside traditional agriculture. In Ramprasadrai-6, Baikunthe, beekeeping is thriving due to favorable conditions—nearby forests, abundant flowering plants, and suitable weather.
Local areas such as Bakchakha, Bhamla, and Chapgaun have also adopted commercial beekeeping in recent years, helped by support from the local government.
According to Ekraj Acharya, chairman of Ramprasadrai-6, the municipality has conducted two phases of training to promote modern beekeeping. Farmers were taught how to construct modern hives, manage bee health, and harvest honey efficiently.
“In the past, people kept bees in traditional wooden hives,” said Acharya. “Now we’re moving toward technology-friendly methods, which will significantly increase farmers’ incomes.”
One such success story is Sharan Kumar Bohora, a local farmer who now owns 35 modern beehives. “Before, I used traditional hives and the production was very low. After switching to modern beekeeping, my honey production has gone up. Beekeeping has changed my income,” he said.
Ram Prasad Rai Rural Municipality Chairman Tham Bahadur Rai said that beekeeping has been prioritized in local policies to promote self-reliant and professional agriculture. “We are providing technical support and essential equipment to farmers. This will not only create employment but also boost the rural economy,” he said.
Farmers say commercial beekeeping has given them an opportunity to earn a decent living without going abroad for work. They believe that with proper market expansion, quality packaging, and branding, Bhojpur honey has the potential to reach markets across Nepal and even be exported internationally.
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