Chitwan - Beekeeping in Nepal is not just about producing honey—it’s a practice deeply connected to the rhythms of nature and the environment. Commercial beekeepers are moving bee colonies hundreds of kilometers to access grazing areas, ensuring adequate nectar and pollen supply for honey production.
From the hills of Kavrepalanchok to the plains of Dang, and from Sarlahi to the rugged terrains of Surkhet, Rolpa, and Rukum, bees are transported to new locations based on the blooming cycles of flowers. This practice highlights the intricate connection between agriculture, forestry, and beekeeping. Nepal’s diverse flora—ranging from chiuri and jamun in the hills to sissoo and mustard in the Terai—offers immense potential for beekeeping, but requires careful planning.
Subash Chandra Sunuwar, a beekeeper from Banepa, explains that bees abandon their hives if food sources are scarce. To prevent this, beekeepers create detailed schedules to track the blooming periods of plants, allowing them to move colonies efficiently. “The more grazing resources, the higher the honey production,” says Sunuwar, emphasizing the critical role of grazing areas in commercial beekeeping.
However, not all bee breeds have the same needs. While local bees are more resilient, the popular Apis mellifera requires abundant grazing areas for optimal productivity. Hemraj Devkota, another expert, stresses the need for a national grazing map to document resources and guide beekeepers. This would also help in balancing the placement of colonies to prevent overgrazing and ensure sustainable honey production.
Nepal currently has around 300,000 bee colonies, far below its capacity of supporting 1 million. Expanding beekeeping sustainably could boost honey production, support livelihoods, and conserve biodiversity. However, challenges like climate change, habitat loss, and the lack of systematic grazing management need urgent attention.
As the global demand for natural honey rises, Nepal has an opportunity to position itself as a key player in the industry. But achieving this requires collaboration among farmers, foresters, and policymakers to protect and enhance the country’s rich floral diversity.
Ecosphere News will continue to highlight innovative practices and challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability, celebrating the efforts of those working to harmonize nature and livelihoods.
