Beekeeping is emerging as a profitable lifeline for unemployed youths in Madaripur, as seasonal honey collection from mustard, coriander and black seed fields creates new entrepreneurs and steady income.
Across the district’s four upazilas, hundreds of bee boxes have been set up beside rabi crops during the current season. With relatively low capital and high returns, many young people are turning to honey production to become self-reliant.
Ibrahim Mia of Kalikini Upazila has installed 300 bee boxes beside mustard fields in East Enayetnagar this year. He expects to generate business worth around Tk8 lakh during the season.
He is not alone. Bee farmer Khalilur Rahman said there are now more than 200 mobile beekeepers operating across Madaripur’s four upazilas. After expenses, each expects to earn between Tk8 lakh and Tk10 lakh this season.
Most remain engaged in honey collection for six to eight months of the year.
According to the Madaripur District Agriculture Office, coriander cultivation this fiscal year exceeded its target of 4,967 hectares, reaching 5,078 hectares. Black seed cultivation surpassed its target of 2,342 hectares to reach 2,451 hectares. Mustard cultivation also exceeded its 17,000-hectare target by 560 hectares, rising to 17,560 hectares.
Honey trader Sayan Saikat said he purchases pure honey directly from farms and sells it in different areas. “Farmers benefit from fair prices, and I also make profit by supplying genuine honey,” he said.
Regular buyer Tamim Adnan said he buys honey directly from fields every year and stores it at home for year-round use.
Beekeeper Moazzem Hossain Sardar said greater public and private support could help expand exports and earn foreign currency. He added that pollination by bees has increased yields of mustard, coriander and black seed, alongside producing pure honey.
Local beekeeper Ratin Islam said income from six months of honey collection sustains his family for the entire year. “After expenses, I earn between Tk3 lakh and Tk4 lakh annually. Four people work at my farm,” he said.
Madaripur Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Rahima Khatun said mobile beekeepers are receiving full support from the department. She said earlier misconceptions among marginal farmers that beekeeping damages crops have now been dispelled.
The department is providing regular advice and technical guidance to ensure sustainable production, she added.
