In Jamalpur, the buzz of activity is palpable as honey collectors revel in a bustling season, with beekeeping emerging as both a promising enterprise and a profitable profession.
Entrepreneurs from across the country have flocked to the district, drawn by the high demand for honey and the lucrative returns it offers.
Nestled in the north-central region of Bangladesh, Jamalpur is witnessing a steady increase in honey production. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), this season has already seen collectors harvest 35,530 kilogrammes of honey from the mustard fields, transforming the landscape into a picturesque expanse of yellow blossoms.
To maximise honey production, beekeepers have established 7,287 beehives throughout the district. These hives not only yield honey but also play a crucial role in enhancing mustard production through pollination. While farmers have cultivated mustard on 41,550 hectares this season, honey is being harvested from 4,615 hectares of mustard fields.
Across the district's seven upazilas, 45 honey collectors from various parts of the country have installed beehives. Islampur upazila leads the way with 2,812 beehives, followed by Melandah with 1,105, Sarishabari with 1,100, Bakshiganj with 1,050, Madarganj with 780, Dewanganj with 230, and Jamalpur Sadar with 210.
Kazi Moniruzzaman, a honey collector from Gazipur, has set up 200 beehives in Gaibandha union of Islampur upazila. "I've already collected 1,000 kilogrammes of honey since early December and am hopeful of good profits as the weather remains favorable," he said.
He said he sells honey at prices ranging from Tk 350 to Tk 400 per kilo.
In Chhabilapur village of Melandah upazila, Nurul Huda, another honey collector from Satkhira, has set up 190 beehives. This season, he has collected a similar amout of honey.
Similarly, Mosharaf Hossain, from Satkhira, has dedicated 15 years to this profession. He recently collected 45 maunds of honey from Shyampur village in Melandah. "If the government provides soft loans, it will help us sustain and expand this profession," he noted.
Deputy Director of the DAE, Zakia Sultana, said last year, 34 honey collectors set up 5,643 boxes and harvested 29,450 kilogrammes of honey. "This year, the numbers have increased significantly, benefiting both honey collectors and mustard farmers, as pollination boosts crop yields," she said.
Honey collection is expected to continue till the end of January.
