As the world celebrates World Bee Day, Bhutan is setting its sights on transforming its beekeeping sector into a globally competitive, export-driven industry. Blessed with untouched forests and a tapestry of flora, the Himalayan kingdom has long harbored the potential to produce honey coveted by discerning international markets. Now, under its 13th Five-Year Plan, Bhutan is formalizing ambitions to more than double its honey output, aiming for over 80 metric tonnes by 2029—and laying the groundwork for a resilient apiculture industry by 2034.
Last year, some 7,500 farming families tended to hives across the country, yielding nearly 42 tonnes of Bhutanese honey and generating revenue exceeding Nu 36 million. Yet, constrained by limited capacity and funding, most of this golden harvest found its way into local bazaars rather than onto foreign supermarket shelves.
“We believe our honey can compete on the world stage,” said Chimi of the Bumthang Beekeepers’ Cooperative. “But without expanded support, it will be challenging to ramp up production beyond what we currently manage.” His concerns echo those of fellow beekeeper Khemraj Chhetri from the Chhukha Darla Beekeeping Group: “With more financial backing and improved market access, we are prepared to scale up and meet demand beyond our borders.”
In response, the National Livestock Research Centre has unveiled a multi-pronged strategy to modernize and expand apiculture nationwide. Key initiatives include:
- Modern hive deployment: Moving from traditional log-hives to scientifically designed box hives to boost colony health and honey yields.
- Cost-shared equipment distribution: Ensuring beekeepers can acquire essential tools—smokers, protective gear, processing kits—without prohibitive upfront costs.
- Enhanced breeding stock: Importing high-quality bee germplasm to strengthen native populations and improve resilience against pests and diseases.
- Market linkage programs: Building channels that connect rural producers with both domestic wholesalers and international buyers.
Beyond these material inputs, the plan emphasizes research-driven improvements. Training workshops will teach advanced harvesting and hive management techniques, while ongoing technical support will help farmers implement best practices. Environmental stewardship is also central: by promoting pollinator-friendly farming and forest conservation, the initiative seeks to safeguard Bhutan’s broader biodiversity.
“Although the number of hives has increased, productivity per hive remains modest,” noted Erick J. Zeballos, Senior Rural Institutions Officer with the FAO Investment Centre’s Asia and Pacific Service. “Through targeted technical assistance and by fostering larger cooperative groups, we can create economies of scale and significantly boost output.”
The vision for 2034 transcends mere volume targets. Policymakers envision an inclusive sector that uplifts rural livelihoods, bolsters food security through pollination services, and earns premium prices for value-added honey products—think monofloral blossoms, infused varieties, and organic-certified lines. Such a transformation promises new jobs in processing, packaging, and marketing, while reinforcing Bhutan’s reputation for clean, green produce.
For the thousands of families already invested in beekeeping, these plans offer a clear path forward. With strengthened institutional support and access to international networks, Bhutanese honey could soon grace gourmet shelves from Tokyo to London—bringing “green gold” from the kingdom’s valleys to tables around the world.
