In the tranquil outskirts of Bumthang, nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant meadows, Padam Bahadur Rai embarked on a modest beekeeping experiment back in 2014. Little did he foresee that his venture with just three beehives would evolve into a thriving enterprise, earning him the moniker of a self-taught maestro in the art of beekeeping.
Today, Padam oversees a flourishing beekeeping farm adorned with some 60 beehives, a testament to his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey, however, has not been without challenges. Like many businesses, Padam’s ‘Bhutan Honey’ faced a setback during the pandemic, temporarily halting operations. Yet, resilience and perseverance have seen his business regain momentum in recent months.
“I started small, thanks to a loan from the Beekeepers Co-operatives of Bhutan,” Padam recounts, reflecting on the initial stages of ‘Bhutan Honey’. The business quickly gained popularity for its locally sourced honey, harvested meticulously from his own farm.
Operating year-round, Padam’s farm is not just a hive of activity during the honey-flow season but a hub of education and tourism. Each year, around 50 curious tourists, arranged by local travel agents, flock to witness the intricate process of honey extraction firsthand. For Padam, it’s not just about business but also about sharing his passion and knowledge with visitors eager to understand the secrets of his success.
Last year, ‘Bhutan Honey’ yielded over 800 kilograms of golden goodness, fetching substantial returns in the market. With honey production bouncing back this year after a lean season, Padam anticipates another fruitful yield, buoyed by rising demand.
Investments totaling Nu 1,500,000 have bolstered his operations, enhancing biosecurity measures and expanding his extraction facilities. Padam’s approach isn’t just about quantity but quality, ensuring that every drop of honey meets stringent standards before it reaches his loyal clientele.
Reflecting on the broader landscape of Bhutan’s apiculture sector, Padam is optimistic yet pragmatic. “The government’s support has been crucial, but there’s more to be done,” he notes, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles aspiring beekeepers face in securing financial assistance. Simplifying these processes, he believes, could unlock greater potential for both local consumption and international export.
Indeed, Bhutan’s honey industry is buzzing with growth, marking a 12 percent increase in production last year alone. Dzongkhags like Samtse, Bumthang, and Sarpang lead the charge, contributing significantly to the country’s rising honey output. The government’s strategic initiatives, including UN Development Programme grants, have further catalyzed this expansion, promoting diverse honey varieties like blossom, pot, and comb honey.
As Padam looks ahead, his vision extends beyond mere expansion. It’s about nurturing a sustainable industry that not only supports local livelihoods but also preserves Bhutan’s rich natural heritage. With each hive buzzing with activity, Padam Bahadur Rai exemplifies how passion, perseverance, and a touch of entrepreneurial flair can transform a humble experiment into a sweet success story for Bhutan’s burgeoning beekeeping community.
