International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Naniram Dulal, Pramod Kumar Mandal and Ranjana Kumari Singh

abstract
This study conducted a value chain analysis of honey bee (Apis cerena) products in Jajarkot district from February to July 2021. Using a mix of random and purposive sampling, 80 respondents were surveyed, including 70 beekeepers and various stakeholders. The study categorized farmers as small and semi-commercial based on hive numbers. Primary data was collected through interviews, focus groups, and surveys, supplemented by secondary data from relevant publications. Honey emerged as the main apiary product, with bee wax as the major byproduct. Semi-commercial farmers demonstrated higher honey productivity (3.44 kg/hive) compared to small farmers (2.55 kg/hive). The study revealed gross returns, benefit-cost ratios, and value chain actors, including input suppliers, producers, middlemen, cooperatives, retailers, and consumers. Home-level processing and packaging were undertaken by producers, while honey flowed through the entire value chain. Marketing efficiency varied across selling modes, with challenges identified in scientific knowledge on beekeeping and costly transportation.