The sweet fragrance of blooming lychees fills the air across Dinajpur as honey farmers from various parts of the country flock to the region to harvest honey.
From Sirajganj, Satkhira, Rajshahi, Pabna, and Natore, nearly 2,000 bee farms have been set up in the lychee orchards. If the weather remains favourable, both the agriculture department and the farmers are optimistic that honey production could reach over Tk 100 crore this year.
Lychee orchards in Mashimpur, Madhabati of Biral, Sonka of Khansama, and Gopalganj in Birganj, among other areas, are now filled with rows of beehives. Farmers are collecting honey scientifically, with each box placed for every 10 trees. In some cases, a single hive yields as much as 22 kg of honey in just 22 days.
Currently, lychee blossom honey is being sold at wholesale prices ranging from Tk12,500 to Tk14,000 per mound. Despite concerns over adverse weather, honey farmers are hopeful of harvesting between 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes of honey this year.
Increasingly, educated youths are turning to beekeeping instead of seeking traditional jobs, with Mousaddek Hossain from Mashimpur being a prime example of success in the field.
The distinct taste, fragrance, and colour of Dinajpur’s lychee honey have led experts to believe that it deserves Geographical Indication (GI) status. Professor Dr Md Atikul Islam from Haji Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University is conducting research on the nutritional and medicinal qualities of this honey. He noted that the unique characteristics of lychee honey set it apart from others, and with government backing and GI recognition, it could become a “world brand product” boosting Bangladesh’s export sector.
However, honey production is vulnerable to natural disasters such as storms and hail, which can damage the blossoms. Farmers suggest that with modern technical support and easier access to loans, the industry could reach even greater heights.
