PRODUCTION AND MARKETING ECONOMICS OF HONEY FROM APIS CERANA IN DANG DISTRICT OF NEPAL

Abstract

Beekeeping with Apis cerana is a vehicle to run livelihood of rural farmers in Nepal. Honey production is major source of cash income for them. This study was conducted in Dang, Nepal, with the aim to analyze production and marketing economics of honey form A. cerana. Total 55 beekeepers, two beekeeping groups, two collectors and five retailers were selected randomly for interview. The results showed that on average farmers holding 14.55 bee hive with productivity of honey 6.12 kg per hive. The benefit cost ratio was 3.71 and average annual net profit was NRs. 2,646.96 (USD 23.06) per hive. Human labour hours in colony management, number of beehives and number of honey harvest per year were significant factors affecting honey production. Ninety two percent of honey produce was actually marketed through three major marketing channels. Most of the producers directly sold honey to consumer and had higher farm gate price. Overall farm gate price, price spread, producer’s share and marketing efficiency index of honey was NRs. 671.06/kg, NRs. 93.15/kg, 84.12 percent and 5.30 respectively. Absconding behavior of A.cerana was the top production problem and lack of wholesale marketing points was top most marketing problem perceived by farmers.