Overall, honey production in the country increased by 12 percent last year

YK Poudel

In 2014, Padam Bahadur Rai, 43, bought three beehives to experiment with beekeeping at his home a few kilometres from Chamkhar town in Bumthang. Little did he know that this modest experiment would blossom into a thriving beekeeping business.

Today, he is a self-taught master of beekeeping, boasting some 60 beehives in his farm.

With a small membership loan from Beekeepers Co-operatives of Bhutan, Padam started ‘Bhutan Honey’ that markets local honey from his farm.

The business however faced major challenges and was shut down due to the pandemic.  Recently, his business has regained momentum.

Padam’s beekeeping farm operates throughout the year. He employs three to five staff, mostly students during honey-flow (extraction) season.

“Since last year honey production was lower, there is a high demand this year. I expect a good yield this year,” he said.

The honey flow season starts from second week of May till mid July

Padam has invested over Nu 1,500,000 to purchase tools, hives, and other materials and to set up an extraction facility with improved biosecurity.

Last year, Padam extracted over 800 kilograms (kg) of honey, which fetched him over Nu 500,000 at the market rate of about Nu 550 per kg.

In addition to his regular customers, his farm welcomes around 50 tourists annually. Arranged by travel agents, these tourists usually come to learn about and witness the honey extraction process.

The honey flow season or the extraction season starts from the second week of May till mid July.

According to Padam, one colony of beehives can produce up to 50 kgs of honey. “Even a weak colony can produce a minimum 20 kgs of honey annually,” he said.

“The business is lucrative, especially with government measures to support farmers. However, it is cumbersome for private individuals to secure financial assistance from agencies,” he said. “Simplifying the process for aspiring entrepreneurs would boost annual production for both export and domestic markets.”

The country’s honey production increased by 12 percent in 2023, with about 41.8 metric tonnes of honey extracted last year compared to 37.2 metric tonnes in 2022. Samtse, Bumthang, and Sarpang are the leading dzongkhags in honey production.

In 2023, a total of 18,523 beehives were recorded from 7,508 beehive holders, up from 6,342 in 2022. Of these beehives, 92 percent are local.

The government has also expanded the apiculture program to boost the production of blossom honey, pot honey, and comb honey, largely through UN Development Programme grants.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has implemented various activities, including the procurement and supply of 187 full-fledged honeybee colonies, the promotion of 250 improved flow hive technology, and the provision of bee feeds and equipment for beekeepers.