MYAGDI, Jan 4: Beekeeping has worked wonders for Govinda Khatri, a farmer from Moulathar in Kuhu-3 of Myagdi district.
Khatri ventured into commercial with a beehive which he bought at Rs 35,000. After receiving training provided by Agricultural Development Committee, Khatri gradually increased the number of beehives. He was ridiculed by his family members when he shared them his plan of starting beekeeping. “I couldn't get support from farmers who were already into beekeeping when I ventured into the profession. But I was determined to make beekeeping my career,” Khatri, who spent many years in Saudi Arabia and Iraq in search of greener pastures, said. “Now, many people are coming to my farm to learn beekeeping.”
Khatri is earning around Rs 900,000 annually. His success has impressed his friends who are plying their trade in the US, London and South Korea excited about the business.
“At present I have 92 hives. I sold 94 hives to other farmers last year,” Khatri said, adding: “This year I plans to sell 200 hives.”
Beehives cost around Rs 7,000 each.
Khatri does not hesitate to show his farm to other people. “I show them practically how beekeeping is done,” he said.
The young farmer has started 'one house, one beehive' campaign to encourage other people in the village to start commercial beekeeping. “I wish to see my village prosper through beekeeping,” he added.
Khatri has been awarded with President's Award in recognition of his contribution to promote commercial beekeeping.
Beekeeping works wonders for Myagdi farmer
'Government declaration a pipe dream'
The declaration made by the government to provide pension and subsidized loans to farmers is nothing but a pipe dream, according to Khatri. "The number of youths leaving for overseas jobs will decrease by 2-3 percent if the government provides subsidized farming loans,” said Khatri.
Khatri says that the government should focus more on agricultural sector for development of villages.
