Many things can be done to improve the honey yield and, in particular, its quality. Most of them, such as the conversion of a log hive to accommodate top bars, can be achieved at little cost.

Initially, suitable training material will be prepared in Nepali, followed by training courses for potential beekeepers. They will be shown how to improve the quality of their honey harvest and methods of using beeswax for candles and salves.

The project aims to become self-sufficient.

Progress

In February 1999, a young beekeeper, Chandra, was employed to look after the apiary and to visit and help farmer-beekeeper groups in Gachok and the surrounding villages. He has established a training programme and he has also fired the enthusiasm of the village beekeepers.

Traditionally, honey is squeezed from the comb by hand and may or may not be filtered. Water is often added and, for good measure, the whole thing boiled well. By showing beekeepers how to filter the honey and teaching them not to dilute or boil it, Chandra is illustrating simple ways of improving honey quality.

Small changes, but potentially things that can have a great impact on the bees, the beekeeper and the honey or wax crop. The bees gather the honey and, as a bonus, they ensure better pollination of the crops. There are plans to increase honey production, both from the apiary and in the village beekeeping groups. When this is achieved, the quality products will be sold in Pokhara, with the profits going back into the project.