Baglung – Moharaj Upadhyay, a 74-year-old resident of Jaidi Dhullu in Jaimini Municipality-7, Baglung District, has been engaged in beekeeping for over 31 years, earning an impressive annual income of NPR 1.2 to 1.5 million from honey sales.

Upadhyay’s house and fields are filled with buzzing beehives, marking the start of his daily routine, which he spends working in the fields. Currently, he manages over 200 beehives around his home. His beekeeping journey began in 2050 B.S. (1993 AD) after he couldn’t secure a job abroad and decided to turn his focus towards this profession.

In addition to beekeeping, Upadhyay has expanded his ventures to include orange, dragon fruit, and lemon farming. His fields are also filled with ginger, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables. He has planted 300 orange and 150 lemon trees, which are gradually starting to bear fruit.

Known as a leading beekeeper in the Jaimini region, Upadhyay generates substantial income from selling fruits and vegetables, alongside honey. Besides being a successful farmer, he also trains other farmers, sharing his knowledge and skills with the local farming community. He reports selling about 1,200 kg of honey annually, yielding a net income of NPR 1.2 to 1.5 million after expenses.

“I tried multiple times to go abroad but didn’t succeed, so I chose beekeeping instead,” Upadhyay explained. “I have taken formal training in beekeeping, gained a lot of expertise, and provided training to 27 groups. Many farmers even call me for guidance.” He added that selling honey directly from his home at NPR 1,300 per kg eliminates any market accessibility issues.