KATHMANDU, APRIL 20
Nepal's honey production declined by 1,070 tons in the fiscal year 2081 BS, dropping to 3,875 tons from 4,945 tons in 2080 BS, according to the Nepal Beekeepers Federation.
Federation President Subash Chandra Ghimire attributed the drop to unsold honey stock from the previous year, disputes over grazing areas, rampant pesticide use, rising costs of equipment and transport, and the circulation of fake and adulterated honey.
Despite the decline in production, the number of beekeepers increased from 8,100 to 8,398. Farmers rearing native Apis cerana (Serena bees) also rose from 6,135 to 6,830. However, commercial beekeepers rearing Apis mellifera dropped from 1,965 to 1,568.
The Federation reported a sharp decline in honey stock as well-from 3,143 tons in 2080 BS to just 197 tons in 2081 BS.
