Winter Brings Bumper Honey Harvest in Nepal's Mountains, but No Markets

 Winter Brings Bumper Honey Harvest in Nepal's Mountains, but No Markets

Overview: Nepal experiences a significant honey harvest this winter, particularly in Pokhara village, a declared honey pocket area. The abundance of Chiuri trees, rich in nectar and locally known as 'Chiuri' in Nepal, has contributed to a bumper production. Despite the optimism, beekeepers face a challenge as the market for their organic honey is limited, resulting in unsold stocks. The lack of demand is attributed to factors such as the previous disappointing harvest, untimely rainfall affecting flower bloom, and the prevalence of adulterated honey in the market.

Key Points:

1. Bumper Honey Harvest: Beekeepers in Pokhara village, known for its Chiuri trees, celebrated a bumper honey harvest this year. The Chiuri tree's flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees, contributing to the thriving beekeeping industry in the area.

2. Market Challenges: Despite the successful harvest, beekeepers like Khadka are facing difficulties due to the absence of a market for their organic honey. Only a fraction of the produced honey has been sold, leaving a considerable amount unsold.

3. Previous Harvest Challenges: The honey harvest in the past two years was disappointing due to untimely rainfall impacting flower bloom, a crucial source of nectar for bees. The current bumper production contrasts with the preceding years, but the lack of market access poses a new challenge.

4. Adulteration Concerns: Beekeepers attribute the low demand for organic honey to the prevalence of cheaper, adulterated honey in the market. The availability of honey mixed with sugar has flooded the market, affecting the market value of organic honey.

5. Honey Production Trends: Nepal has witnessed a consistent increase in honey production in recent years. In 2019-20, national honey production was 3,997 tonnes, growing to 5,168 tonnes in 2021-22. The country hosts around 249,680 beehives, primarily Apis cerana hives.

6. Export Challenges: Nepal faces challenges in honey exports since the European Union banned Nepali honey imports in 2002 due to quality standards issues, including excessive pesticide residuals. The ban has significantly impacted the country's honey export business.

7. Market Reputation Damage: Despite the export potential, the reputation of Nepali organic honey is undermined by the presence of adulterated honey in the market. The article emphasizes the need for addressing this issue to restore confidence in the organic honey product.

The contrasting scenario of a bumper honey harvest alongside market challenges highlights the complexities faced by Nepali beekeepers, urging attention to market development and quality standards.

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