Impact of Irregular Rainfall in Diploknema Honey Production and Marketing in the Darchula District of Nepal (3100masl)

Abstract

In 2023 in Lekam Rural Municipality of Dracula District in support of AKC Dracula, we conducted a study to determine an impact of irregular rainfall pattern on the honey production and its marketing.   A total of 80 sample units from 6 wards were collected   from the studied area. The maximum (Benifit/Cost) B/C ratio was   8.35 and minimum was 1.9.  We identified   irregular rain pattern   as a major problem in the production.  Ninety percent of the hives in the study area were modern, whereas ten percent of the total hives were traditional. The production trend was increasing until 2022, then decreased by 3092 kg in 2023. A total of 45% of farms   participated in this study.   This research showed that the main reason for the honey production decline could be attributed to the irregular rainfall pattern which was interfering with honeybees’ activity and feeding on Chuiri (Diploknema butaracea) flower nectar, which is   the major source of honey. The flowering season for chuiri is September-October.  The rain falls in 2022 and 2023 were extended until the end of October, which interfered with honeybee activity resulting in decreased honey production.