Mahottari forests attract Chitwan beekeepers during flowering season

Mahottari, April 7 — Beekeepers from Chitwan have moved their beehives to forests in Mahottari, particularly along the East-West Highway, in search of abundant floral resources during the spring season.

With eucalyptus trees currently in full bloom, the forests have become an ideal pasture for honeybees. Beekeepers say favourable weather conditions, including the absence of storms and hail, have helped flowers retain rich nectar, boosting honey production.

Suresh Basnet, a beekeeper from Khairahani, shared that the area’s dense flowering vegetation has significantly supported honey collection. According to him, around 20 quintals of honey have already been harvested from 284 beehives in the first week of Falgun, with an additional 7 quintals expected soon. He added that honey sales have generated earnings of approximately Rs 1 million.

Commercial beekeeping is practiced by about 125 households from Chitwan who seasonally relocate their hives in search of better forage. Another beekeeper, Ashok Basnet, said he has been engaged in the profession for years after returning from foreign employment and has found it to be a reliable source of income.

However, beekeepers have urged the government to support them by providing the timber needed to construct proper beehive enclosures.

Despite the favourable conditions for apiculture, local farmers in Mahottari have shown little interest in commercial beekeeping, even though the region offers ample pasture for honey production.