Beekeeping Booms in Pokhara as Interest Surges Among Residents

Pokhara. Public interest in beekeeping has sharply increased in the tourist city of Pokhara. According to the Agriculture Development Branch of Pokhara Metropolitan City, more than two thousand individuals are currently directly involved in the beekeeping business within the metropolitan area alone. This business is flourishing commercially, especially in Wards No. 16, 18, 20, 23, 26, 28, 30, and 33 of the metropolis.

Currently, approximately 90 tons of honey are produced annually in Pokhara, and this figure is increasing every year. Due to high market demand for honey, farmers face no problems with sales. Most farmers within the metropolis raise the indigenous 'Serena' breed of bee. Manhar Kadariya, Chief of the Agriculture Development Branch, states that beekeeping plays a significant role not only in producing honey but also in increasing the yield of other agricultural crops through pollination.

The metropolis has also intensified training programs to make beekeeping more systematic and modern. In line with this, a 65-day 'Beekeeper Level-1' training commenced on Sunday, organized by the Annapurna Polytechnic Institute in coordination with the metropolis. Twenty leading farmers from the metropolis are participating in this special training, which started at the Lekhnath Dhalepipal Agriculture Service Center in Pokhara-26.