Honey cultivation is significantly transforming the lives of unemployed youth in Madaripur. During the current Rabi season, a new wave of entrepreneurs is emerging by collecting honey from coriander, mustard, and black cumin fields.
By adopting mobile bee farming, these individuals are becoming self-reliant and changing their financial destinies, while local residents enjoy a steady supply of pure honey.
Ibrahim Mia, a resident of Purba Enayetnagar in Kalkini upazila, has set up 300 beehive boxes adjacent to mustard fields this year. He anticipates a business turnover of approximately Tk8 lakh this season.
This is part of a growing trend; bee boxes have been stationed near mustard, coriander, and black cumin fields across various areas of the district. Many are drawn to this profession due to the high profit margins relative to low capital investment.
According to beekeeper Khalilur Rahman, there are currently around 200 mobile beekeepers operating in Madaripur.
After covering expenses, each farmer expects to earn a profit between Tk8 lakh and Tk10 lakh this season. These farmers typically spend six to eight months of the year engaged in honey collection.
Data from the Madaripur District Agriculture Office indicates that crop cultivation has exceeded targets this financial year. Coriander was cultivated on 5,078 hectares against a target of 4,967 hectares, while black cumin reached 2,451 hectares against a target of 2,342 hectares. Mustard cultivation also saw a boost, covering 17,560 hectares – 560 hectares more than the 17,000-hectare target.
The burgeoning industry has also created opportunities for traders. Honey seller Shayan Saikat noted that by collecting and selling pure honey from these farms, he is able to turn a profit while supporting the farmers’ growth.
Beekeeper Moazzem Hossain Sardar suggested that with increased government and private sector cooperation, it would be possible to earn significant foreign exchange by exporting honey.
He highlighted that bee pollination has not only produced high-quality honey but has also increased the yields of mustard, coriander, and black cumin. Another farmer, Ratin Islam, shared that his six months of work provides enough to support his family for the entire year, yielding a profit of Tk3 to 4 lakh and providing employment for four workers on his farm.
Rohima Khatun, deputy director of Madaripur Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), affirmed that the department is providing all necessary support, regular advice, and direction to mobile beekeepers. She noted that the DAE has successfully worked to dispel the previous misconceptions held by marginal farmers that bee farming could damage crops.
