RUKUM, Feb 20: Until few years ago, nobody in Pokhara of Sisne Rural Municipality-3 in East Rukum cared about Om Prakash Khadka. Everybody doubted his working ability.

Derided by all, he decided to try his hands in foreign land. But his family members prevented him, saying that he won't be able to work there. Today, Om Prakash has become a modern farmer in the district.

The young farmers first started beekeeping in 2001. He made beekeeping is profession in 2005. Today, Om Prakash is not only a successful farmer. He is earning hundreds of thousands of rupees every year. Om Prakash, who started commercial beekeeping five years ago with a single hive, is now earning more than Rs 600,000 annually.

“I started beekeeping with a hive that I bought by borrowing Rs 500,” Om Prakash said, adding: “Now, my investment and income has grown manifolds.”

Om Prakash harvests honey twice a year. He collects 250-300 kg per season. They inspiring beekeeper sells honey for Rs 600 per kg and hive for Rs 3,000. “Around 60 percent of honey that I produce is exported outside the district,” he added.

According to Om Prakash, honey produced by him reaches to Kathmandu, Banke, Kaski and Dang, among other districts. 

The exemplary beekeeper was awarded with President Best Farmer Award in the Fiscal Year 2016/17. 

Of late, Om Prakash has also started giving beekeeping training to interested youths of his village. He has spent Rs 1.2 million in beekeeping so far. He plans to add hives worth Rs 200,000 this year.

“People, who used to say I am good for nothing, are praising me now,” Om Prakash said, adding, “Instead of investing huge amount of money to go abroad, youths should look for opportunities in their homeland.”

 
• east
 
• rukum
 
• youth
 
• tastes
 
• success
 
• beekeeping