Expanding apiculture

These days leading mustard-producing districts are flooded with the iconic yellow flower, with hundreds of bees hovering over the petals. These regions are the largest producers of agricultural honey in the country. Beekeeping as an agriculture-based livelihood requires low inputs and yields high profits. For the farmer, the expansion of apiculture (honeybees carrying out cross-pollination of yellow mustard flowers) has more than one advantage — it helps in increasing the crop yield by as much as 20 to 25 per cent and the entire family can get into the beekeeping business.

 A model unit of apiculture generally comprises 50 bee-boxes and certain accessories. These are placed in agricultural fields near crops that are flowering. Each honeybee covers a distance of 2-3 km to collect nectar from the flowers. When the beehives inside the bee-boxes become full with honey, they are processed by a simple machine that helps collect both honey and wax. When bee keeping was introduced farmers were wary, believing that it will harm the crop. However they have now realised that not only does it give them better yields from their mustard crop, but also jobs for the youth and an extra income.

Currently there are 2,500 commercial beekeepers in Bangladesh. They produced 6,000 metric tonnes of honey in 2018. The annual production could be increased through proper planning and use of modern methods. Bangladesh exports honey to various countries including India and Australia. Compared to the local demand for honey, there is sufficient production in the country now. But honey export is not increasing because of the lack of proper packaging system is not available in our country. For this reason, our beekeepers do not get proper price for their product.

Loan facilities for beekeepers should be increased. A modern bee research institute is highly needed to increase breeding of bees and to train beekeepers on how to collect raw bee pollen and royal jelly. These products have a huge demand abroad and can be lucrative export items. Though honey production is profitable, there are only a few popular brands that are doing honey processing work in our country. Bangladesh does not have high-tech processing plants.

Many farmers still do not know about the usefulness of honey bees for their crops. So, the relevant authorities should take the initiative to make farmers see the positive side of beekeeping.

 

Expanding apiculture

These days leading mustard-producing districts are flooded with the iconic yellow flower, with hundreds of bees hovering over the petals. These regions are the largest producers of agricultural honey in the country. Beekeeping as an agriculture-based livelihood requires low inputs and yields high profits. For the farmer, the expansion of apiculture (honeybees carrying out cross-pollination of yellow mustard flowers) has more than one advantage it helps in increasing the crop yield by as much as 20 to 25 per cent and the entire family can get into the beekeeping business. A model unit of apiculture generally comprises 50 bee-boxes and certain accessories. These are placed in agricultural fields near crops that are flowering. Each honeybee covers a distance of 2-3 km to collect nectar from the flowers. When the beehives inside the bee-boxes become full with honey, they are processed by a simple machine that helps collect both honey and wax. When bee keeping was introduced farmers were wary, believing that it will harm the crop. However they have now realised that not only does it give them better yields from their mustard crop, but also jobs for the youth and an extra income. Currently there are 2,500 commercial beekeepers in Bangladesh. They produced 6,000 metric tonnes of honey in 2018. The annual production could be increased through proper planning and use of modern methods. Bangladesh exports honey to various countries including India and Australia. Compared to the local demand for honey, there is sufficient production in the country now. But honey export is not increasing because of the lack of proper packaging system is not available in our country. For this reason, our beekeepers do not get proper price for their product. Loan facilities for beekeepers should be increased. A modern bee research institute is highly needed to increase breeding of bees and to train beekeepers on how to collect raw bee pollen and royal jelly. These products have a huge demand abroad and can be lucrative export items. Though honey production is profitable, there are only a few popular brands that are doing honey processing work in our country. Bangladesh does not have high-tech processing plants. Many farmers still do not know about the usefulness of honey bees for their crops. So, the relevant authorities should take the initiative to make farmers see the positive side of beekeeping.