International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
BC Anu, ML Meena and M Rai

abstract
This study examined the economics of honey production and marketing in Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, India. 160 beekeepers (80 trained, 80 untrained) across sixteen villages (eight experimental, eight control) were surveyed. Constraints were categorized as socio-economic, technological, environmental, and marketing and management. Key socio-economic constraints included limited financial resources for establishing a beekeeping enterprises (70.62%), lack of managerial capabilities (59.37%). Technological limitations comprised lack of honey processing units (91.87%), lack of knowledge of beehive products apart from honey (83.75%) and lack of training in producing value-added bee products (69.37%). Scarcity of bee flora during off season (55.62%) posed a significant environmental challenge. Marketing constraints included Low selling price of honey (90.65%), limited markets for bee products other than honey (88.75%) and lack of consumer trust in honey quality (79.37%). Recommendations to bolster beekeeping enterprises include training in scientific beekeeping practices, accessible financial support, migration subsidies, and improved marketing infrastructure for bee products.