The five-day-long first Honey Festival that concluded on Monday is organised in Sauraha in Bagmati Province, Nepal. At the festival, visitors have a chance to taste six types of Honey for free. This honey tasting in the festival is sponsored by the Government of Nepal to encourage Honey marketing and provide additional income to local farmers through Apiculture. Honey derived from nectar of Mustard, Litchi, Chiuri Mahua Butter tree, Eucalyptus, Spices, Rudilo shrub, Sunflower, Buckwheat, and Moringa were available for sale.
Depending on the plant source, the honey consistency varied from Smooth and viscous from the Mahua tree to thick granulated honey derived from the Litchi tree. The smell varies from mild and fruity to dark and robust. Honey is rich in natural sugars, antioxidants, and trace minerals. Honey is a natural sweetener used in Ayurvedic medicinal remedies and is an energy booster.
Beekeeping provides farmers with livelihood opportunities and is a consistent additional income source. Honey, beeswax, and other by-products are marketed locally and internationally, not only it brings economic prosperity but also contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem health.
