Beekeeper earns up to Rs. 1 M annually

By Bomalal Giri, Nawalpur, Nov. 3: Chandika Prasad Lamichhane of Ramnagar, Kawasoti Municipality-9, Nawalpur, has demonstrated that dedication, hard work and commitment can generate a good income even while living in one’s own village.

Lamichhane, who has been engaged in commercial beekeeping for the past 25 years, said he earns between Rs. 800,000 and Rs. 1 million annually from the business.

He started beekeeping in 2001. “Initially, when I had only a few beehives, I also engaged in vegetable farming, fruit cultivation and nursery management. As the number of beehives increased, I gradually gave up those activities and focused entirely on commercial beekeeping,” he said.

To institutionalise his business, he registered Natural Agriculture Farm in 2011. Later, he also registered a cooperative, helping give his beekeeping business a more organised commercial structure.

He currently has around 300 beehives at his farm. Depending on the season and availability of flowering plants for nectar, he produces up to seven tonnes of honey annually and earns between Rs. 800,000 and Rs. 1 million, he said.